Beating, in any sport, is a matter of 'timing' rather than brute force. Hitting a ball at the right time is hardly a secret technique, but anyone can try to improve, even if their name isn't David Grower.
Steps
Step 1. Point your elbows towards the pitcher as he prepares to throw the ball
This position will help you make a straight shot. You should try to hit the ball by keeping the club straight and accompanying it with a smooth movement of the elbows, instead of doing a diagonal slog.
Step 2. Raise the club as high as possible as the pitcher prepares to throw
Lifting the club to keep it high and straight will help you hit the ball faster.
Step 3. Begin lowering the club slower than you think you should
This way you will avoid moving too early, you will be able to observe the ball for longer and you will be forced to hit the ball with a more accelerated movement. Don't make the mistake of moving the club too hard and too early: you will hit the ball too soon and too slowly, which will make it much easier for other players to catch up.
Step 4. Lean towards the ball as you hit it, so that all of your body weight is transferred into the shot
Bend your front knee and point your toes in the direction you want to throw. It is also okay to point your foot in the direction of the pitcher, as the hitters of the 'golden age' did.
Step 5. As the ball hits the club, and not a second before, add strength to your shot with a twist of the wrist
Obviously, the movement should not be too accentuated: just move the wrist slightly to the side, as if you were playing hockey.
Step 6. When hitting the ball, be sure to keep your arms fully extended
Otherwise the ball will be much easier for the opposing team to recover.
Step 7. Hit all balls parallel to the ground, unless you are trying to do a hook shot or a straight drive to make a six shot
Advice
- When looking at the field before hitting the ball, remember to direct your gaze towards the empty spaces, never towards the other players. This way you will be more likely to unconsciously throw the ball in the free areas.
- Don't try to hit a six-ball with all the balls. Most hitters will keep trying, but you risk overestimating your skills and getting knocked out.
- To defend yourself from spinners, but also to counterattack, remember to use your feet. This way you will be less exposed to the risk of being eliminated because you have moved too far from your position.
- Choose a word or phrase to repeat when the pitcher is preparing to shoot to increase your concentration. 'You won't be able to get me out' or 'away!' Or even 'forward!'. Relax in the moments between one ball and another and when you are not hitting. Nobody is able to concentrate for two hours straight.
- Remember that no matter how tired you feel, pitchers and field players are definitely worse off than you. If you feel your concentration waning, take a break to drink, try to recover and arrive safe and sound at the end of the six puffs.
Warnings
- If you have to run, remember to do it as fast as possible!
- If you are playing against a fast pitcher, play defensively unless you are sure you can make a six or four shot. In fact, to hit a fastball, you will need more precision and concentration.
- Don't try to change your technique in the middle of an inning. Try to learn different or constructive techniques during practice, instead of just repeating the usual slogs, but in a game be true to what you can do. If you've never done a reverse swept before a cup game when your team is at 20-3 in your life, this isn't the right time to try it for the first time.
- Don't try to make a premeditated shot - you can prepare a general attack or defense strategy in advance, but it's impossible to plan exactly the shot you want to make.
- Don't be bothered by verbal exchanges - the pitcher will always be able to return to his seat after every shot, while as a hitter you will always gain by being silent.
