Hitting is all about timing, and pitching is all about upsetting that timing. But how, as a hitter, can you upset the pitcher's timing? Take control of the 'tempo' of your at-bat. You'll notice a lot of college and major league hitters take what seems a long time to get into the batter's box and get set. They look at their third base coach, step in, step out again, adjust their batting gloves, take a practice swing, step in....sometimes call for time and step out again.

When you slow down the pace of your at-bat, you accomplish a number of things.You give yourself more time to think about the situation, the count, the runners on base, where the fielders are positioned, etc. You can focus more on your task, and get relaxed. You can hit on your own terms and shift the advantage to yourself. Also, when you slow things down, you take control of when the pitcher actually pitches the ball. A pitcher who is 'on' that particular day is enjoying his success as well as a sense of control over the proceedings. You can steal a little of that control from him by stepping out, and with it, some of his confidence and his timing. When a pitcher gets ahead of you in the count, don't immediately jump back in there to allow him to keep his momentum going. Step out, make him wait, survey the field, Think about what you need to do next. When the other team has just made a great play on the previous batter, or turned a double-play, they're pumped up and on their toes, ready to make you their next victim. This is an ideal time to slow things down, to allow some of that momentum they just built up to drain away. Conversely, if the pitcher is struggling, and can't seem to throw strikes, stay in the box and get set to hit immediately. He'll more than likely rush his next pitch, Or, if the defense just booted a ball on the previous hitter (or flubbed a foul ball you hit), get back in right away to exploit their deflated confidence. When you are slowing things down, be subtle about it, and don't get the umpire angry with you. If you're too obvious, he'll order you back in the box, and not let you take your time again during that at-bat. A smart umpire will know exactly what you're up to, but if you don't make him look foolish, he'll let you work your strategy to your benefit.

Remember - although the game cannot proceed until the pitcher throws the ball, the pitcher cannot pitch until you're in the box. You have more control over the game as a hitter than you realize, and with that control should come a higher level of success.

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