It’s the bottom of the last inning. The winning run is on third base with one out. The player who strikes out and the player who hits a sacrifice fly to win the game might have the exact same swing mechanics. The difference isn't in their swing; it's in their approach. Great hitters get hits. Clutch hitters win championships. Every coach knows it, and the stats back it up: games are won and lost in high-leverage situations. According to top sports analytics sites ▸, a team's ability to hit with runners in scoring position (RISP) is a massive predictor of its success.
But how do you practice for these specific, high-pressure moments?
The Challenge: Practicing for a Specific Moment
It’s nearly impossible for a coach with a fungo bat to consistently replicate the outside fastball you need to practice a hit-and-run. Live batting practice can work, but you risk burning out your pitching staff. Standard, predictable machine practice doesn't teach the hitter to adjust their approach based on the game situation.
To master situational hitting, you need a tool that can consistently and repeatedly simulate the exact pitch required for the job. You need the precision and versatility of the MC3 Training System.
3 Drills to Build a Clutch Hitting Mentality
The MC3's patented technology ▸ allows you to replicate specific pitches and locations on command, making it the ultimate tool for situational hitting practice.
|
Drill |
Objective |
MC3 Pitch Focus |
|
1. The "Get 'Em In" Drill |
Drive in the run from third with less than two outs. |
"Outside Pitch" to encourage hitting the ball to the outfield. |
|
2. The "Move 'Em Over" Drill |
Hit the ball to the right side to advance a runner from second to third. |
"Outside Pitch" to force the hitter to let the ball travel and go the other way. |
|
3. The "Hit-and-Run" Drill |
Protect the runner by making contact with any pitch in the zone. |
A mix of all pitches (Drop, Inside, Outside) to challenge bat-to-ball skills. |
Common Mistakes in Situational Hitting to Avoid
Before you gamify the drills, make sure your players understand these common pitfalls that derail situational at-bats.
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Swinging for Power Instead of Contact:
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The Mistake: A player tries to hit a home run with a runner on third and less than two outs, resulting in a strikeout.
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The Fix: Coach the "team-first" approach. The goal is a productive out. This often means shortening the swing, focusing on the middle of the field, and prioritizing putting the ball in play, especially in the air.
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Ignoring the Defensive Positioning:
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The Mistake: A player tries to hit a ground ball to the right side to move a runner, but they don't notice that the second baseman is playing right on the bag for a double play.
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The Fix: Teach hitters to take a quick, intelligent glance at the field before they step in the box. Is the infield in? Is the outfield shallow? This pre-pitch intelligence is a hallmark of a high-IQ player.
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Not Having a Clear, Simple Plan:
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The Mistake: The hitter steps into the box with a runner on second and no outs, but their mind is blank. They are just "seeing the ball, hitting the ball" without a specific goal.
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The Fix: Reinforce the idea of having one, simple objective. "My only job here is to hit the ball on the ground to the right side." This simplifies the mental process and focuses the player's intent.
Make It a Competition: How to Gamify Situational Hitting
The best way to prepare for game pressure is to simulate it. Turn these drills into a competitive game to keep players focused and engaged. Divide your team into two squads and run them through a series of situational at-bats using the scoring system below. This is a fantastic method for coaches ▸ looking to evaluate how their players perform when something is on the line.
|
Situational Hitting Scoring System |
|
|
Outcome |
Points |
|
Successful Sacrifice Fly (Run Scores) |
+2 |
|
Runner Advanced from 2nd to 3rd |
+1 |
|
Successful Hit-and-Run (Ball in Play) |
+1 |
|
Any Strikeout |
-1 |
|
Failed to Advance Runner |
-1 |
Beyond Mechanics: The Mental Approach to Situational Hitting
Being a great situational hitter starts before you even step in the box. It requires a clear plan. Great hitters focus on the process, not the outcome. As many sports psychologists will tell you, focusing on controllable process-oriented goals (e.g., "see the ball, hit it to the right side") rather than outcome goals ("I have to get a hit!") is the key to performing under pressure. Use these drills to practice not just the swing, but the mental approach for each situation.
From Hitter to Competitor
The players who get the big hits in the biggest moments are the ones who have been there before—in practice. The MC3 system gives you the unprecedented ability to replicate those moments over and over again. Stop just practicing your swing and start practicing the game.
Ready to build a team of clutch hitters?
Share Your Strategy
What's your team's go-to situational hitting drill? Share your tips with the JZ Sports community in the comments below!
