DON MATTINGLY (DM):
“Our bats have handles that are shaped in the form of a “V”.  What this does is automatically put the bat in the fingertips, away from the palm and lines up a hitter’s knocking knuckles.  This is one of my core fundamentals of hitting.  Basically the bats insure a hitter has a proper grip every time they swing which increases bat speed and improves overall technique.  Our bats are the only game approved bats on the market today that offer this benefit.”

For a little leaguer going to buy a bat for the upcoming season, what are some shopping guidelines? How does he/she make sure they're purchasing the correct bat for their size and level of play?

DM:
"The most common problem I see is kids swinging bats that are too heavy for them.  It's important for a player to choose a bat that allows them greatest control and comfort when swinging through the zone.  Too heavy or long of a bat leads to a variety of bad habits.  Kids should try out a few different bats at the cages or at practice to see which one feels best, before making a purchase.  It's obviously also very important to purchase a bat that meets the rules and regulations of the league they participate in."

What are 3 bad habits that every young hitter should look to avoid?

DM:
“I think a lot of young players have a tendency to cut their swings short by picking up their heads to see where the ball went.  It's very, very important that they swing through the ball and keep their head down.  This helps from falling backwards and properly transferring weight through the swing.”

“Incorrect stride is also a big problem and can lead to a variety of issues in the rest of the swing.  Young players often take an open stride which forces the shoulder to open, as well as the hips.  A straight stride sets off a positive chain reaction, resulting in hips staying square, a shorter swing and solid contact with the ball.”

“Lastly, it's important the hitters don't "lunge" at the incoming pitch.  Taking too big of a stride and "lunging" at the ball causes the swing to breakdown starting with the head.  When you stride too far, your head starts to move and you can't get a good look at the ball.”

What are 3 basic drills every hitter can do on their own to improve their hitting skills?

DM:
“Simple Batting Tee Swings: 
Using a basic tee practice hitting balls in different locations on the plate.  Hit outside pitches farther back on the plate and inside pitches further up.  Remember the tee and ball move around, not your feet or stance in the box.  It's also important to realize you shouldn't change your swing for any of these pitches.  It's the same swing, same stride every time.”

“Soft Toss: 
Have a friend or coach stand behind a pitching net about 5 strides in front of you and toss a baseball from different locations.  These slow speed tosses allow the hitter to focus on building sound technique without the fear of live pitching.  You can practice a variety of situations including pitches in all locations and troubleshoot any problems.  It's a good repetition and muscle-memory drill as well.”

“Short Bat Drills:
I love working with a short, heavy training bat for some drills.  The short bat forces you as a hitter to wait longer for the ball and makes you much more aware of your swing.  The feel of the bat during the swing tells you right away if you are swinging correctly.  If you swing correctly, the bat doesn't feel that heavy.  However, you will feel the extra weight if you are coming around the ball or hitting underneath.  It's a great tool and forces you to be more precise.”

There are five elements that make up what Don Mattingly calls the "foundation" of hitting:

• The tool (i.e. the bat)
• The grip
• The stance
• The stride
• The weight transfer

If you can find consistency and comfort in these five areas, you will be well prepared to execute a strong, fast, sound swing. Let's take a look at each of these building blocks in more detail.

The Tool: Your bat

A carpenter owns and uses his own hammer – one with a weight, balance, and handle that is comfortable for HIM. Likewise, a hitter should use a bat with which he or she feels comfortable, and in control. The bat you use is dependent on your preference and your comfort level – how you feel with it in your hands and throughout the swing. It shouldn't be too heavy, nor too light – but rather, "just right". The length should be enough to cover the width of the strike zone, but not so long that it feels unwieldy. It should feel balanced, rather than top-heavy. Finally, the handle should feel comfortable in your hands – not too thick, not too thin. Obviously, this is where the V-Grip comes into play – there is no other bat handle that feels as "natural" in your hands.

The Grip

A fluid, loose swing with a whipping or "snap" action is only possible with the proper grip – that is, with the handle of the bat placed in the fingers and not in the palm of the hands. But if you use a V-Grip, you don't have to even think about this – your hands are automatically placed in the correct position for optimum "snap" and bat speed.

The Stance

Your stance should be comfortable, balanced, and put you in a position of control, athleticism, and power. Being from the hoop-happy state of Indiana, Don Mattingly likes to compare an ideal batting stance to defending a basketball player. Your weight should be balanced on the balls of your feet, feet spread about shoulder-width apart, knees bent, chest slightly bent over the waist, head up. In this position on the hardwood, a basketball defender can easily and quickly move in any direction to defend an opposing player. Similarly, that exact stance puts a hitter in an ideal position to hit the ball.

The Stride

The stride starts a chain reaction throughout your body. If you step "in the bucket" (a lefthanded hitter toward first base; righthanded hitter toward third base), your front shoulder will fly open too early, leading to the hips turning prematurely, and therefore less than your optimum power will be applied to the ball. Striding too long and/or too "heavy" will cause your swing to be long and your weight to transfer too early – prior to the swing instead of with the swing. To keep yourself in line and in control, follow the three "S's" when you stride: short, straight, and soft.

A short stride keeps your body balanced and in control, and keeps the swing short as well (short = fast). Striding straight toward the pitcher keeps your entire body in line, and sets you up for a short, compact swing. A soft stride – in other words, stepping "light", as if on to an egg – keeps your weight back, and "loaded" for a powerful swing.

The Weight Transfer

Ideally, your bat and your weight work in unison. When your bat is back, your weight should be back also. Or as Donnie says, "you have to go back to go forward".

Before you start your short, soft, straight stride, you should lean back – on top of your back foot – just a bit to transfer your weight. As you move your weight back, your bat should also move slightly back and up into the "launch" position – your hands right around, or slightly behind, your ear. By first getting your weight back, you are in the perfect position to then bring it forward, with your swing.

So that's it – the foundation of the swing. If you practice the above five elements, you will have laid the groundwork for an efficient, consistent swing. Good luck and good hitting!