What should you do if you get into a slump this season? Below are some tips to help you get out of one!

1. Understand that every hitter goes through a slump. It does not mean that you have suddenly become a poor hitter.

2. The first thing to check is your timing (see Hitting Key #2 below). A slump usually starts with the hitter losing his timing, not a mechanical problem in his swing. When the hitter is slumping the load and stride are usually late and the back hip is not able to time the pitch. Everything becomes a rush, the fastball seems to be right on top of the hitter and every curveball seems to be breaking eight feet.

3. Get on the tee. Work on your mechanics of the swing on the tee so that you won't think about them in the game. If you are thinking too much at the plate it may be a sign that you are not spending enough time on the tee.

4. Stand in on pitchers throwing bullpens. This allows you to work on your timing (you are not going to swing, but you will trigger your back hip at the pitch) and begin to track pitches better (see Hitting Key #3 below).

5. Start hitting the ball to the opposite field. In your batting practice and in your at-bats in games try to hit ground balls and line drives to the opposite field gap. By doing this you will get your barrel coming into contact from the inside of the ball.

6. Lay down a drag bunt. Bunting can help you get back to tracking the ball and by starting off a game with a bunt hit it can take the pressure off -- starting off 1-1 on the day.

7. This may be the toughest. Stay positive. Expect to hit every ball hard.

You can also come in and have a MSA coach film your swing for evaluation. Give us a call at 734-944-6721.