The launch drill is designed to give you a better launch position while at-bat. Launch position is the exact moment that the front heel hits the ground, not when the toe touches the ground.
It is when the heel plants into the ground that you want to be in the strongest and most athletic position.
This drill helps players learn their most athletic launch position. Having a good launch position while at bat will give you more powerful swings. Not only that, but you will be able to make quicker adjustments on different pitches. A good launch position allows you to go anywhere leading to more contact and fewer strikeouts.
Launch Drill Instructions
Get Into Launch Position
Figure out where you want to be when you hit the ground. If you are standing with a taller posture, you may have trouble hitting low pitches, this is not a good launch position. Likewise, if you are standing with your weight on your back leg, you may have trouble with sinking pitches. Balance is key to a good launch position and practicing this drill. Imagine you are a defender in basketball, get into a good defensive position by separating the feet, balancing your weight, and sinking down into your legs until you feel the most strong and athletic. The distance between your feet should be about 50% of your height and the hips should be open. Your weight should be balanced between both legs. Sink down into your legs until you are almost squatting. This should feel like a strong, athletic position. You are ready for launch.
Prepare to Swing
Pull the bat back into a swinging position. You should feel tension across the chest. The front shoulder should be lower than the back shoulder. The eyes, nose and chin should line up. The hands should be close to the back shoulder and above the back foot. The goal is to learn to swing while in this position, so your body learns what a good launch position feels like.
Swing Away
Try to swing with as little movement as possible. Remember, the goal of this drill is to feel the position. Do not reload your body weight or reposition your arms, take a swing completely from launch position. If you are in a good launch position you should be able to fire quickly and swing without repositioning any part of your body.
