What Is Stay Back in Baseball?
Stay back in baseball is a phrase used to describe a hitter who is not trying to hit the ball with power, but rather is waiting for the ball to come to them. This approach can help a hitter better time their swing, as well as give them more time to assess the pitch and decide whether or not to swing. The goal of stay back in baseball is to improve the hitter’s contact rate and hit the ball consistently, rather than trying to hit the ball with all their might and striking out.
Benefits of the Stay Back Approach
There are several benefits to the stay back approach in baseball. These include:
- Increased Contact Rate: By waiting for the ball to come to them, a hitter can better time their swing and make more consistent contact with the ball. This can lead to more hits and fewer strikeouts.
- Better Pitch Selection: By waiting for the ball to come to them, the hitter has more time to assess the pitch and decide whether or not to swing. This can lead to fewer swings on bad pitches, resulting in fewer strikeouts and more walks.
- Improved Focus: By waiting for the ball to come to them, the hitter can focus more on the pitch and less on their mechanics. This can lead to better overall performance in the box.
When Should a Hitter Stay Back?
A hitter should stay back when they are facing a pitcher with good control. This includes pitchers who can consistently throw strikes and don’t give up many walks. It is also beneficial to stay back against pitchers who have good off-speed pitches, as the hitter will have more time to read the pitch and decide whether or not to swing.
How to Stay Back in the Box
Staying back in the box starts with the hitter’s stance. The hitter should stand in a slightly open stance, with their feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart and their toes pointing slightly outward. This stance will allow the hitter to track the ball better and be better prepared to make contact.
Once the hitter is in their stance, they should wait for the ball to come to them. This means that they should not be lunging at the ball, but rather waiting for the ball to come to them before they swing. This can help the hitter better time their swing and be more consistent with their contact.
Drills to Improve Stay Back
There are several drills that can help a hitter improve their stay back approach. These drills include:
- Weighted Ball Drills: This drill involves using a weighted ball to help the hitter stay back in their stance longer and develop better timing. The hitter should stand in their open stance and wait for the ball to come to them before swinging.
- Visualization Drills: This drill involves the hitter visualizing the ball coming to them and waiting for it to arrive before swinging. The hitter should practice this drill with their eyes closed to help them better focus on the mental aspect of the game.
- Pitch Recognition Drills: This drill involves the hitter tracking the ball and recognizing different pitches before they swing. The hitter should practice recognizing different types of pitches, such as fastballs, curveballs, and sliders, so they can better assess the pitch and decide whether or not to swing.
What to Avoid When Staying Back
When staying back in the box, the hitter should avoid lunging at the ball and swinging too early. They should also avoid getting too close to the plate, as this can lead to them getting jammed by inside pitches. Finally, the hitter should avoid focusing too much on their mechanics, as this can cause them to lose focus on the pitch and make them less likely to make contact.
Conclusion
Stay back in baseball is an important concept for any hitter to understand. By waiting for the ball to come to them, the hitter can better time their swing and make more consistent contact with the ball. There are several drills that can help the hitter improve their timing and pitch recognition, as well as several things to avoid when staying back. By understanding and implementing these concepts, the hitter can become a more consistent and successful hitter.
Resources
- Baseball Almanac – Hitting Tips
- Youtube – How to Stay Back in the Box
- Baseball Training – Weighted Ball Drills