Train hard.
Train safe.
Built hitters stay healthy. Here is how AHD expects athletes, parents and coaches to train, and where coaching ends and medical care begins.
The short version
- Stop if something is sharp, pinching, numb, or a pain that lingers. Don't push through it. Get it checked by a doctor, athletic trainer or physical therapist before you train it again.
- AHD is coaching and education, not medical care. Check with a doctor before starting a training program, especially after an injury, illness or growth-related pain.
- Athletes under 18 should train with an adult who knows what they are doing. The parent or guardian decides what is safe for their athlete.
- Helmets on in the cage and around live hitting. Always.
Who this is for
AHD courses and coaching are built for baseball and fastpitch softball hitters, mostly ages 13 to 21, plus the parents and coaches who help them. Younger players can use AHD with a parent or coach choosing what fits their age and size. Everything here applies to every AHD course, coaching program, Coach Feedback reply, Players Clubhouse challenge, PR Board test, camp, clinic and Scottsdale lesson.
Before you start
- Get a doctor's OK before beginning a new training program, after any injury or surgery, or if the athlete has a heart, breathing, seizure, concussion or other medical history.
- Tell Coach about injuries, pain or medical needs before a lesson, camp or coaching program starts.
- Warm up every time: easy movement first, then build up speed.
Hitting work
- Wear a batting helmet whenever a ball is being pitched, tossed or thrown to a hitter. Use an L-screen for front toss and batting practice.
- Check the space before every swing: nobody within swinging distance, and enough room behind and to the sides. Tee and net work is still real bat speed.
- Use a bat that fits the athlete's size and league rules. Check bats and balls for cracks or damage.
- Build swing volume up over time. Hands, wrists, sides and low back can get overused. Rest when they're sore.
Athletic Development: strength, speed, power and arm care
- Good form comes before more weight, more speed or more reps. If form breaks down, the set is over.
- Younger and less experienced athletes should start with bodyweight and light loads, with an adult supervising lifts, jumps and sprints.
- Use a spotter or safety bars for any loaded lift. Never max out alone.
- Sprint and jump on a safe, even surface with room to slow down. Wear proper shoes.
- Arm-care work should feel like effort, never sharp pain. Pain at the elbow or shoulder means stop and get it checked.
- Growing athletes can get growth-plate and overuse injuries. Watch for pain in the knees, heels, elbows, shoulders or lower back that keeps coming back.
PR Board testing
Exit velo, bat speed, 60-yard sprint and vertical jump tests are maximum-effort tests. Do them only when fully warmed up, rested and healthy, with an adult present for athletes under 18. Don't chase a number through pain. A PR is never worth an injury.
Heat, hydration and the Arizona sun
- Drink water before, during and after training. Bring more than you think you need.
- In hot weather, train early or late, take shade breaks and cut volume. Stop right away for dizziness, headache, nausea, confusion, cramping or heavy, unusual fatigue, and get help.
- Use sunscreen and a hat outdoors.
Head injuries
If an athlete is hit in the head by a ball or bat, or shows signs of a concussion (headache, dizziness, confusion, vision changes, nausea, feeling "off"), stop all activity that day. They should not return to training until a qualified medical professional clears them.
Mental Approach and the mind side of hitting
AHD's Mental Approach work is sports performance coaching: focus, confidence and handling pressure. It isn't counseling or mental-health treatment. If an athlete is struggling with anxiety, depression, an eating concern or anything heavier than game nerves, talk with a parent, doctor or licensed counselor. In a crisis in the U.S., call or text 988.
Video, AI and online coaching
- BK can only see what's in the clip you send. Online feedback can't catch everything an in-person evaluation would.
- SwingChecker™ and the "Ask AHD" assistant are tools, not a coach or a doctor. The AI assistant can make mistakes. BK has the final word.
In-person lessons, camps and clinics
Every in-person athlete needs a signed Participation Waiver & Medical Authorization before their first session, signed by a parent or guardian if the athlete is under 18. Bring a helmet, water, the right shoes and any medication the athlete may need, like an inhaler.
Your responsibility
AHD gives coaching and education. The athlete, and for minors the parent or guardian, decides whether an activity is safe and appropriate and is responsible for the training space, equipment and supervision. Training involves physical activity and some risk of injury. See our Terms of Use.
Questions
Not sure if a drill fits your athlete? Contact Coach at 480-881-5447 before you do it.
Athletic Hitting Development is a business of Hitting Universe, LLC, 5904 N. 83rd St., Scottsdale, AZ 85250.