Wiffle Ball may seem like a casual backyard game, but becoming a successful hitter requires strategy, precision, and dedication. Coach Matt Schissler, a founder of GHS Investments investor in Big League Wiffle Ball, has shared his top swing thoughts to help players elevate their game. Schissler is an investor, team owner, and member of the Board of Directors for Big League Wiffle Ball.
Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned player looking to improve, Schissler's advice offers valuable insights into becoming a more consistent and powerful Wiffle Ball hitter.
1. Master Your Stance
According to Coach Schissler, your stance is the foundation of successful hitting. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, ensuring balance and mobility. "Your weight should be evenly distributed on the balls of your feet, not your heels," says Schissler. This allows for quick adjustments as the ball approaches, especially with the unpredictable movement typical of Wiffle Balls. The key is to stay relaxed and ready to react to any pitch.
2. Develop a Short, Compact Swing
Wiffle Balls often move erratically due to their design. Coach Schissler emphasizes the importance of maintaining a short, compact swing to counteract this unpredictability. A long swing can lead to mis-timed or off-balance hits. Schissler suggests keeping your elbows in and focusing on a clean, direct path to the ball. "You're not trying to hit a home run every time—precision is what counts in Wiffle Ball," he advises.
3. Focus on Hand-Eye Coordination
Hand-eye coordination is essential in Wiffle Ball, where the ball can curve, drop, or rise unexpectedly. Coach Schissler recommends regular practice with a soft toss or batting practice to sharpen this skill. "The more you see and react to the ball in different positions, the better you’ll get at tracking it," he says. Repetition builds muscle memory, so when you're in a game, your body knows how to respond automatically.
4. Anticipate the Pitch
Pitchers in Wiffle Ball have a wide array of tricks up their sleeves, from wild curves to knuckleballs that seem to defy gravity. Schissler emphasizes the importance of studying the pitcher and anticipating what kind of pitch is coming. "Watch how they grip the ball and their release point," he advises. While it's impossible to predict every pitch, understanding the tendencies of the pitcher can give you a mental edge at the plate.
5. Work on Your Timing
Timing is everything in Wiffle Ball. Compared to baseball, the bat’s ultra-light weightcombined with the wide delta of pitch speeds, can throw off hitters, leading to early or late swings. "Don’t rush your swing," Coach Schissler warns. He recommends practicing hitting off a pitching machine or having a partner throw pitches to you at varying speeds. The goal is to develop a natural rhythm, ensuring you connect with the ball at the optimal moment for maximum impact.
6. Stay Mentally Tough
Like any sport, Wiffle Ball requires mental toughness. Striking out or missing a hit can be frustrating, but Coach Schissler emphasizes that mental resilience is key to bouncing back. "Every at-bat is a new opportunity," he says. "Forget the last pitch and focus on the next one." Visualization techniques, where you imagine successfully hitting the ball, can also help maintain a positive mindset.
7. Condition Your Body
Though Wiffle Ball may seem less physically demanding than baseball, staying in good physical condition will improve your overall performance. Schissler recommends core workouts, agility drills, and flexibility exercises to improve your swing mechanics and reaction time. "Like with any swing sport such as baseball and golf, a strong core helps generate power, while agility allows you to adjust to any pitch," he explains.
8. Have Fun
Finally, Coach Matt Schissler reminds players to enjoy the game. Wiffle Ball is meant to be fun and maintaining that sense of joy can often translate into better performance on the field. "When you're loose and having fun, you tend to play better," Schissler says.
By following these expert tips from Coach Matt Schissler, players can elevate their Wiffle Ball hitting skills, whether they’re playing for fun or in more competitive settings. The key takeaway? Stay focused, keep practicing, and always enjoy the game!