Now that we have established the importance of having a two-strike approach let’s discuss some of the different approaches one can employ and how someone can work on them.
Let’s begin with the “Splendid Splinter” Ted Williams–one of the greatest hitters of all time—who, as manager of the Washington Senators, took the team from the worst hitting team in baseball to the best in a very short time. The sportswriters asked him, what did he do? Change all their swings so they resembled his?
Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox, at Fenway Park, 1946 – BL-68-57
(National Baseball Hall of Fame Library)
“Teddy Ballgame” answered: “Hell no! I am the only one with a swing like that! I simply asked each one of them to accept their swing as it was. If they were low ball hitters, swing at only low pitches until they have two strikes. If they were high ball hitters swing at only high balls. If they couldn’t hit a curve, don’t swing at ‘em ‘til you have to.”
Williams also insisted that each hitter select a two-strike approach that he would practice and employ in the games so that he could guarantee him they wouldn’t strike out! One of the options some of the players chose was choking up with two strikes like Williams had done. Other options included widening out, hitting the ball the other way, splitting their grips etc.
Hitting Coach Ben Hines of the Dodgers told his players to move their hands closer to their helmets with two strikes in order to shorten the swings. If you are truly looking to develop a good two-strike approach, there are plenty of ways to do it. The key is to try a few approaches until you find one that you like and then practice it!
How do you practice it? Simple. Practice hitting with a two-strike count every day. Ted Williams used to tell the Red Sox pitchers to try to strike him out in BP and if they did, he would give them $100. Not many guys ever collected.
Wally Moon, a great hitter and “Super Scout” for the Dodgers used to straddle the plate with his cup over the center of the plate and defy the pitcher to hit him! He didn’t care if they threw a fastball or a curve, they couldn’t hit him. I wouldn’t recommend that real soon, but we have done it with wiffle balls and it really works.
Watch this clip of Bryce Harper in-game, adjusting his mechanics with two strikes. Notice how he shortens his stride and stays compact, perfectly illustrating the two-strike approach in action
Bryce Harper Two Strike Swing Approach Hitting Mechanics Slow Motion Instruction Video Tips
Talk about being quick and short to the ball, “Protect your Moose is one of my favorite hitting drills. Make sure to wear a cup!
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