One of the most basic fundamentals taught to little league players is to "keep your eye on the ball." No matter the location or competition level of the athlete, you will find coaches and parents everywhere reeling off this phrase. But what does it really mean? And why do ballplayers at all levels still struggle with this principal?
One of the most vital elements to a hitter's prosperity is his vision. The ability to watch ball to bat contact is instrumental to a player's success, and it is essential that an athlete is disciplined enough not to watch the beginning flight of the ball. After all, a batter can't hit what he can't see.
Despite this universal knowledge ballplayers of all ages, from tee ball all the way through Major League Baseball, can be found pulling off the ball - more times than not trying to hit the ball to the next zip code. If a hitter can focus on point of contact alone, no matter the fundamentals of their swing, they will experience better results.
One of the best ways to do this is through tee work. Hours in the cage developing that muscle memory of keeping your head down. Watching the bat hit the ball, without the angst of result. Once an athlete develops this foundation off the tee, they can progress to soft toss, MaxBP drills, live batting practice and eventually game day - where they will find the same technique leads to more success on the diamond.