When to Use the Power Swing

[Cardot]

So do most people use the power swing as the default, and then go to the contact swing when there are two strikes? Or is the contact swing the norm, and then the power swings only in those situations where you want to swing for the fences?.........Or something else?

[randogu]

Re: When to Use the Power Swing

So do most people use the power swing as the default, and then go to the contact swing when there are two strikes? Or is the contact swing the norm, and then the power swings only in those situations where you want to swing for the fences?.........Or something else?

My personal practice on this is to only use POWER swing when I'm ahead in the count.

[NFCBeast55]

Re: When to Use the Power Swing

Depends on the batter for me. If it's a guy with no power like...say...Rob Johnson or Jack Wilson, then I will always contact swing. If it's a guy like Adam Dunn or Ryan Howard, I'll always power swing. If it's anyone not to either extreme, then I pick and choose.

[JayhawkerStL]

Re: When to Use the Power Swing

I use the contact swing 90% of the time. I only use the power swing when I get 2-0 and 3-1 counts. This goes for even guys with no power.

Now, I usually take the Cardinals for my team, so I will take chances with Pujols, and on rare occasions, Ludwick and Holliday. Basically, if there are two outs, and there is not a runner in scoring position, I may use the power swing until I get two strikes on me. If there is is a man scoring position, then it goes back to the original rule of hitter's counts only.

But I am hesitant to do this with Ludwick, as he is followed by Holliday and Pujols. Getting on base is enough.

I think 2K made a mistake in how they described the swings. Because I have hit many HR's, even with weaker hitters, using the "contact" swing. This is not a swing that zaps power, by any means. I'd call it a normal swing.

The advantage of using the power swing on hitter's counts is that there is very little penalty for not swinging, even at a strike. I'm looking for that fat fastball in the middle of the plate. If it's a curve, or down in the zone, I let it go. That also means I revert to the contact swing for the next pitch. But if I get the pitch I am looking for, I should be able to make solid contact, even in the smaller window.

But the main point is, take advantage of NOT SWINGING at pitches you can't drive when you have a hitter's count. If you get trapped into feeling like you have to drive that pitch, the advantage of the count is lost.

[rudyjuly2]

Re: When to Use the Power Swing

I use the power swing all the time unless I'm behind in the count with two strikes. I'll use contact a little more for my weak hitters. I also strike out a ton.

[MaddenBalla]

Re: When to Use the Power Swing

I use the power swing all the time unless I'm behind in the count with two strikes. I'll use contact a little more for my weak hitters. I also strike out a ton.

I hear ya, you're a bruiser like me. I always look to crush the ball out of the park and I have terrible discipline! I also found it better to play with the Strike Zones turned off, try it out Rudy. It really helps a lot with my batting.

[rudyjuly2]

Re: When to Use the Power Swing

I hear ya, you're a bruiser like me. I always look to crush the ball out of the park and I have terrible discipline! I also found it better to play with the Strike Zones turned off, try it out Rudy. It really helps a lot with my batting.

I have the strike zones off too. I like the cleaner look.

[Alai]

Re: When to Use the Power Swing

I like the way the power swing works in this year's game. Powerswing used to be a swing that usually resulted in either flyball or homerun, but this year it's just hit very hard in any directions, if good contact was made.