Science of Hitting

• #3 in Best Baseball Books

71 Reviews

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What a fantastic book on hitting by one of the greates all-time hitters, Ted Williams. In a nutshell, its a book designed to teach the reader to hit better by showing them a comprehensive look at the science behind hitting. A few things that seemed to stand out:

-the style of writing is like he's standing there talking to you which makes for an easy read
-the batting advice is pretty thorough leaving no stone unturned
-the battting advice is based on science
-the pictures demonstrating the techniqes are OUTSTANDING and include all angles including some very good overhead shots
-the stories he tells of other baseball players are priceless!

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to hit a ball better, I found it to be a very well-rounded book based on both science AND experience. Also recommend Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff if you have a shoulder problem that interferes with your playing.

This book is perfect for anyone looking to expand their knowledge on how to hit a baseball. Everything from pitch recognition to a smooth swing are discussed and analyzed. Ted Williams also includes some of his stories from when baseball was a lifestyle. This book allows anyone to see the time and hard work that must go into becoming a good hitter. Becoming a good hitter does not mean picking up a bat and taking a few swings. It starts before you ever get to the ballpark. He walks you through ways to pick up pitcher tendencies, and stresses patience at the plate. This book provides helpful diagrams, which show what pitches are good ones to take a swing at. But he doesn't stop there, he goes into great detail about what you should try and do with that pitch that is in the zone. Also included are tips for making your stance comfortable yet effective, grip on the bat, and improving your power for maximum effectiveness in every at bat. Ted Williams also provides insight on knowing the situation, and doing what is best for your team. A must read for players of all skill levels. This book will grow with you as your hitting experiences expand. Ted Williams deserves more stars than I am allowed to give him for this book.

This is the greatest book anyone an possibly buy on hitting. It is written by one of the top 3 hitters in baseball history, Ted Williams, and he definitely knows what he's talking about. Take it from me, I know. Im a 15 year old baseball player, whenever I get into a slump I can read this book and it will automatically get me out of it. If you read this at the beggining of a season it's possible your batting average could at least increase by .200, depending on how good you are. He explains the importance of having a good swing, stride, and everything essential to being a good hitter. This is a must have for every little leaguer.

This book and Robert Adair's _The_Physics_of_Baseball_ are essential to being the best player, executive, or fan possible. This book is timeless, and focuses on the 'real playing field' of baseball -- the strike zone where the hitter and pitcher battle it out. This book covers technique well, but more importantly, it teaches approach, and the earlier in your life you can learn that, the better you will be.

Williams' emphasis on plate discipline and mental approach, combined with his teaching of how to analyze your own swing gives you the basic tools you need to be an excellent offensive player. For pitchers, this book is a must to understand the weapons available to the batter.

For fans, this book will help you understand what's important and what's just filler by the broadcast team. If you're under 14 years old, buy this book, or go get from your local library, and study it on a field with a tee and a bag of balls. Then read it every day before you do your hitting reps.

This book turns bad hitters fair, and good hitters great. You just need to put in the work.

In the past 2 years I have read EVERYTHING there is to read on the subject of hitting preperatory to teaching my gifted 8 year old son and while I tell you that in virtually each and every book there exists some gem that you can apply to help increase chances of success THIS BOOK is the definative work on hitting.

What amazes me the most is that Williams, only a HS graduate, but yet possessing of an incredibly gifted intellect, as is exhibited by his becoming a fighter pilot etc, taught himself through trial, error and DETAILED analysis what the incredibly complex physics of the swing are. Recently, with the publication of Rob't K Adair's THE PHYSICS OF THE SWING we have the definitive confirmation of what Williams came to understand himself but now from a scientific and scholarly source. Williams doesn't articulate it in his book but he employed a law of physics called The Law of Conservation of Angular Momentum. Simply stated as it applies here it means that when you hold the arms close to the body and start the swing with your hips rather than your arms you will generate greater bat speed. Williams stated this simply in his book when he talks about starting the swing with the hips and holding the hands back as long as you can.... the farther the hands get away from the body the slower the bat speed. It's a law of physics that simply cannot be overcome. The hands, wrists and arms add nothing to the speed of the bat. They are mere conduits through which the power which is generated by the legs and the torso are transferred to the bat. Williams was intelligent enough to figure this one out on his own. Well, as he stated in his book, Rogers Hornsby's immortal words: "great hitters are not born, they are CREATED by study, hard work and fault correction" probably provided him with the spark he needed.

He was an amazing man who had problems with his pears when he played as super intelligent people often do. Fortunately now he is getting his just due and respect.

Thank you and rest in peace Teddy Ballgame!

Regardless of which hitting philosophy you subscribe to, this book is the best overall technical reference for the mechanics of hitting. I own all of the hitting reference books and have taught hitting to over 200 little leaguers.

By far the greatest book ever written on the art of hitting a baseball . Iused when i played in hs and it was phenom.how it helped me .I preached it at the hs level and now as i college coach i endorse it as well. MR.Williams in the best hitter since Babe Ruth so he knows what hes talking about .I own 3 of these books this paper back edition as well as the 1st print and 2nd print.The first edition is a collecters item which is going to be priceless at somepoint.I am currently seeking MR. Williams to sign my 1st edition book but not having much luck.If you are seroius about hitting look no further than this book,it talks of the most important things you must do to hit a baseball.1.)get a good pitch to hit2.)make sure you use a bat your comfortable with3.)make sure you have done your homework on a pitcher ,proper thinking at the plate,whats he gonna throw in a certain situation.I have only 2 words buy it!

Boy, this was a very,very, helpful book for my hitting. Up until I read this book, I was an average hitter. After I read his book and saw his diagram, I could not wait to hit in front of everybody to show off. If you just get one baseball book in your life, GET THIS ONE! Teddy Ballgame was truly the best hitter ever.

A MLB scout of 40yrs...and current college hitting instructor...told me to "get Ted's book and throw the rest away." I got the book, but kept the others (Today i'd toss em out except Mike Epstein's book on hitting...it's worthwhile.) At first reading the Williams' book appears disappointing...too many old-time stories from Ted's days as a ballplayer and coach. Yet like a the game of checkers, the more you analyze (and read) the book, the deeper your understanding of hitting becomes. The most amazing concept is that Mr. Williams "discovered" his hitting mechanics by trial and error...without the use of high speed video, etc. His concepts are rather simple...1) get a good pitch to hit (study the pitchers and their tendencies), 2) use a lighter bat for quickness, 3) hips initiate the swing, 4) swing up (slightly) to increase your chances of hitting the ball "on plane" and 5) practice, practice, practice.

My daughters play softball and its mindboggling how poor the hitting instruction is at nearly all levels...including high school. The forward weight shift, "hands thrown to the ball," and early wrist roll are wonderful ways to hit soft groundballs to second base. (And unless your daughter has amazing speed...mine don't...she'll hit about .180.) Many players and coaches are amazed that my average-sized daughters possess such "power." I'd love to think it's talent, but alas it's technique...proper hip rotation leading the hands...just as described by Williams, and an upward swing plane.

The next time you're at a ballgame, see how many kids are actually swinging "upward"...pick those kids out and you'll immediately know the good hitters that have gotten good instruction.

Get the book, study the drawings & photos...it makes so much sense.

This book really helps. Ted Williams is
my sencond favorite player Manny Ramirez is
my first. The people who thought of making this
book are great [Ted Williams and John Underwood
made this book].This book has great pictures in it.
I also put this in my so you'd like to at the bottom of the
page. This book is long but good. It has a surprise at the
end of this book that I loved. You should really get this book
because it helps you to hit the baseball better. So go get this book because as the greatist baseball player ever said," The hardest thing to do is hit a baseball" and he is true you can learn anything else easy but it will take you a while to hit a baseball. So you should go get this book it is good with hitting and it is good to just pick up a book and go read.

When your son or daughter asks you how to hit better --- don't just make stuff up as if you really were a good hitter (and you weren't) --- buy this book, instead. Read it yourself so you can help give truly practical advice, instead of guessing.

Ted Williams really shows the true science of hitting and anyone who wants to develop good hitting skills should read this book.

I gave this to my son to read when he was 13 and by the end of the season he was hitting 400 points higher and with more power. Would he have developed that way without reading the book? I'll never know, but I'm sure the book made a difference in how he "aproaches" seeing a baseball.

It certainly helped me to know what to "look for" in his swing so I could give him constructive feedback based on what I learned from Ted Williams.

Get this book!

Teddy Ballgame put a great read together in this book. Long on player observations, and his playing thoughts, short on actual instruction.

Get this book to enjoy the yesteryear of baseball. Get the Mike Schmidt/Rob Ellis Youth Version Study book for much better step by step analysis for the young player.

The late great TW writes, or most likely, dictates, this book with John Underwood. The book reads as if it's Ted talking, and it feels as if he and I went on a fishing trip, and he was just talking hitting in between him casting for trout or bass or whatever he likes. The only thing missing is a fire crackling and the smell of grilled fish.

There are a few theories that were new to me, such as Ted saying that you should swing "up" instead of the standard "down". There is a very nice walk down memorabilia lane at the end of the book with photos and blurbs about all-time great hitters. This is updated, of course, only to about the late 80's, so we're missing Big Mack, Bonds, Sosa, and other recent sluggers, but that's going to happen in any sports book with a certain date on it.

If you want help with hitting, I am sure there are more to the point books out there, and they would probably be more worth your money. It will take you a long time to actually weed out the good points that Williams makes (they are hidden in there in between his down-home style of writing). But if you want to chew some tobacco, and sit by the fireside (nevermind the fishing trip) with the last .400 hitter in MajorLeagueBaseball, together with some tips, get the book.

Without a doubt, the very best instructional manual on hitting by the very best hitter. Excellent reading!

Ted Williams does what no other man could or will ever do in the greatest book ever written on hitting. Complex, yet simple, Williams discusses the makeup of a successful hitter not just from a mechanical standpoint, but from a philosophical view also. His "three rules to hit by" should be used by every hitter regardless of skill level. Williams also details the cat and mouse game between hitter and pitcher, discussing how to think along with any pitcher. No other book does what Williams does so beautifully in this book, and that is to break down the most difficult skill in the world of sports so that any non-athlete can gain insight and understanding into the science of hitting.

This book is great for anyone who wants to learn the intricacies of hitting a baseball well, and also learning which balls to hit. Ted Williams probably knows more about hitting than any man alive, and the only subject he says he enjoys talking about as much as hitting is fishing. If you read this book you will quickly realize he is telling the truth; his enthusiasm jumps out at you from the pages.

This book is "must-have" reading for any aspiring slugger or student of the game of baseball. Be aware, however, that the book's value does not lie in the specifics of technical hitting instruction. This is much more hitting "theory" as relayed by Ted Williams from his years of experience. There is little, if any, practical detailed instruction on developing mechanics for swinging the bat. On one hand, the book is absolute gospel; I don't think anything in it could be seriously disputed, and to do so is to question the genius of a man whom baseball history shows to be one of the greatest hitters (and philosophers of hitting) that has ever lived. On the other hand, for Ted Williams to offer his personal philosophy and methods for hitting is similar to Tiger Woods trying to teach someone how he hits a golf ball. It might be great information for the rare few that can in some way duplicate Ted's or Tiger's physical abilities, but for a vast majority of players (especially very young players) who lack power, 20/10 eyesight, and one-in-a-million type hand/eye coordination, this book will (at best) offer little to improve their performance and (at worst) may actually lead to swing techniques that make the game more difficult.

For anyone who has spent any time studying the instruction of mechanics for the baseball swing, you already know that the methods of hitting fall into two primary camps. These methods can be differentiated by their beliefs on what is the "proper" swing plane (i.e., what path the bat takes in route to intercepting the pitched ball.) One side is often called "level swing" or "linear", where the swing is more level to the ground, and the other side (where Williams stands) promotes a swing level to the flight of the pitch (where the pitch is following a downward arc from the pitcher due to gravity and the elevation of the pitcher in relationship to the strike zone.) Therefore, the "level" swing that Williams promotes is, in practice, what is commonly known as an "upper-cut" at the ball. This method is commonly adhered to by those who teach "rotational" hitting (as opposed to "linear" hitting.)

Williams himself states several times throughout this book (although the statements are made in passing, and never really expounded upon) that his method for hitting would NOT be recommended for players that don't have the power to hit the ball out of the ballpark. This is where the problem really begins. How many baseball players aspire to be homerun hitters? ALL OF THEM! How many of them truly can be? Very few. An analyst on ESPN recently made the statement, "Just because some guy hits 20 homeruns in a season, people want to label that player a homerun hitter. Not so!" It is a very difficult thing (and quite counter-intuitive to an athlete's competitive nature) to identify and yield to the limitations of your athletic ability. However, Branch Rickey, one of the greatest talent evaluators and baseball minds in history, held the firm belief that it is impossible to teach a player to hit with power. You either have the skill from birth, or you don't. Ted Williams had it. Barry Bonds, Albert Pujols, ARod, Chase Utley, Josh Hamilton have it, just to name a few. This isn't just a matter of getting in the weight room and pumping iron. It pertains to the player's natural ability to generate fast, efficient motions of the body that will result in maximum kinetic energy. You are either born knowing how to generate optimal force or you are not. For those that are, then a technique similar to Ted Williams' is probably best for you.

Some of the biggest truths in the book are what make the book both universal and, at the same time, less useful for baseball instruction. Williams makes very general statements about proper mechanics, but then says that the 10 greatest hitters have 10 different styles. The times that he does make a concrete argument (like "upswing is the only way to go") it is placed under the caveat "if you have enough power to make it work." Which, as I have said, very few players truly possess.

Williams also covers his personal strategies for facing pitchers - how he takes more pitches in early at-bats and uses the data he collects for strategies later in the game (i.e., his third, fourth, and fifth at-bats in the game.) Well, if it's not obvious, this advice is nothing more than a fossil of a bygone era. In the modern age of the relief pitchers and situational substitutions, practicing this type of strategy is almost impossible. A professional hitter will be fortunate to get three at-bats against the same pitcher in one game. Hitters at the lower levels of amateur baseball usually play shorter games, and even if one does face a pitcher multiple times, the performance at that level usually lacks the kind of consistency needed to successfully make any sound assumptions.

To summarize this review, I think this book provides an excellent reference point for any student of the game of baseball. Translating the instruction in this book into improved success in the batter's box will require a more thorough understanding of the mechanics of hitting, and a disciplined, discerning athlete to cherry-pick the portions of this book that can actually be applied with his own ability level.

This book, along with "The Art of Hitting .300" by Charlie Lau, simply belongs on every ballplayer and coaches bookshelve. This book is rather simple in format, yet loaded with subtle tips and techniques.

Are there books that may be better? Absolutley.

However, these two books are the foundation on which all others are built.

If you dont own it, buy it!

I read this book more than 20 years ago when I was in my early twenties. It profoundly effected my thinking on the game of baseball. Ted Williams had the best plate approach of any hitter, with the possible exception of Babe Ruth. Bonds used this strategy his entire career, but it only seemed to take full effect post "cream and clear". This system is simply the best. You can't even argue the point. All the sabrematricians have done the research, and it concurs with Williams. But he said it quite elegantly, I think. I also caught a lucky break when I traveled to Cooperstown, N.Y. to visit the Hall of Fame, and guess what I see on display there? A wall of colored baseballs 7 wide and 11 high. I'll never forget that moment. I couldn't adequately explain that scenario to my wife, but that's another matter. I can still get goosebumps just thinking about it. If you care about what wins baseball games, then there is no substitute for this book. This should be required reading for every fan, broadcaster, player, manager, general manager, owner, and anyone else remotely interested in the game. When I looked at the Amazon page I noticed that out of 42 reviewers, this book had a full 5 star rating. I wonder if anybody gave it less than 5 stars. If they did, well, there are always a few idiots around.

I wish i had known about this book when i was in little league. This has helped me tremendously at the age of 22, and i know it can work for someone of any age. The thing i like most about this book is that it allows for hitters to use their own natural swing. This is key especially for older hitters who have trouble working out and changing techniques from years of muscle memory. Read this book once and become a better hitter. In fact, read it every march and you'll be set.

First read this book when it came out . Totally demystifies process used in hitting a baseball and tilt odds of striking the ball in your favor. Used it to become better hitter. Used it to teach younger sister how to hit(.750 HS avg.)!When hitting you will know what to do rather than simply reacting to whatever is thrown. Should be required reading for all those instructing youthful hitters.

I have 30+ years of experience as a player and coach.
youth ball, high school and college experience.

This is the best way for a young player to learn to make contact and use the entire field.

Makes an weak hitter competitve, a good hitter an all-star

Although an outdated work as a guide for becoming a good hitter, it is a book which affords one a historical perspective on hitting. Williams' ideas on pitch sleection still offer a hitter an excellent idea of what pitches a hitter should look to hit in certain situations. Not recommended for any new student or coach trying to learn to hit or coach hitting. This book is a good reference for experienced students of hitting trying to understand the revolution in hitting theories and mechanics.

having been out of baseball for years, getting back into the game in a men's senior league, i have completely deconstructed my slowpitch softball swing, and can pick up pitches and hit the ball the way i want to. for a young player, this book could be invaluable. i pick it up and reinforce what ive learned by reading sections again and again. plus ted williams' anticdotes as both a player and a manager are a fun way to relive the game the way it was.

Best book ever written on hitting by the greatest hitter of all time. Every 12 year old kid should read this book if they want to be a hitter and move up to the next level. They should re read it every year and they'll still be learning from it at 30 years old.

This hitting instruction book, written by the premier hitter of our lifetime, will be of benefit to players of every age and ability. Imagine Leonardo Da Vinci writing a book on painting. There was only one Ted Williams, but this book will help all players who strive to become better hitters.

The hardest technique to teach in sports is properly hitting a baseball. There are so many variables and I have felt for years it is the main reason for so many youngsters to walk away from organized team play because of the frustration from failure.

The Science of Hitting, which was written when Ted Williams managed the Washington Senators, is by far the finest book on how to learn to hit a baseball. Williams demonstrates through words and photographs in a step-by-step fashion how to stand properly in the batter's box, how to swing the bat and the keys to being selective. A photograph of Williams at the plate and showing the probable batting average if he swung at a pitch in a particular zone is timeless.

Like any athletic activity, the key is to learn how to do things right from the start. It is also crucial at any skill level that problems should be rectified as soon as possible. As long as there is baseball, the book will remain a classic in teaching how to hit the pitched ball.

This was a great book. If you are going to learn to do something you need to learn from the best. Ted Williams over his lifetime as a Pro baseball player hit over .300. If you look at the players these days who are hitting .300 or close to it, they are not just dominating the league with RBI`s, they are dominating with their paychecks. If you want to learn from the best, this is a great one to start with.

I think this is an outstanding book for Moms and Dads trying to help their kids learn the fundamentals of hitting.

Though the Science of hitting was not full of entirely new ideas to me, it did bring to light some philosophies that I had not heard before. I find this book gives me a mental calm and preparedness going into the season.

I am 50 and playing in a Men's Senior Baseball League in Atlanta. This book has been perfect for me and the result are astounding. "Science" is a good work to have in the title of this book because Ted Williams distilled hitting to its essence. There is such great logic behind his approach that it is very easy to remember. The mind is not clouded with an endless list of do's and dont's. I wish I had know of this book earlier. It makes a world of difference. Last fall when I played, I got maybe 2 hits the entire season. This summer I am hitting .457. Ted Williams was a very smart player and, as it turns out, was a great teacher as well.

The best book on teaching hitting I have ever read! His diagram is da bomb on how to find yo favoritte pitch! GO TRIBE!

This book gives you the basics on hitting and teaches you everything you need to know about it. The best part is, is that it was written by Ted Williams, one of the greatest hitters of all time. So then you know it's by a great baseball player and not just some guy you,ve never heard of.

My son is a 10 year-old player and I am a 45 year-old player. We both have improved from reading Ted Williams wisdom about hitting. My son was having trouble pulling the inside pitches. He was hitting line-drives and grounders to the opposite field, but the inside pitches were usually fouled off or taken. Ted Williams explained how clearing the hips is essential for power and hitting the inside pitch with authority. My son read those words and began thinking about his approach differently. He is now ripping balls to right field (He's a lefty). I have been doing the same. I had always been a line-drive hitter through college ball, but now I have found power that I did not seem to have before. It's all in the head.

I got my book with a damaged cover (it is soft back cardboard cover) and called the sender. No response. I then wrote an email and got a refund for my book but still have the book as they did not give me money to send it back. I wanted a "new" book as advertised to give to author to sign but would not give damaged book for autograph. Phone calls were not returned but email worked.

THIS BOOK IS A CLASSIC, WRITTEN BY THE MASTER HIMSELF, TED WILLIAMS. MY HUSBAND WAS IN THE PROS IN THE EARLY 70'S. THIS BOOK WAS THE MAJOR INFLUENCE IN HIS HITTING CAREER, AND THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES BY WHICH HE FOLLOWED TO GIVE HIMSELF AN OVERALL HITTING AVERAGE OF .360 FOR HIS JUNIOR AND SENIOR YEARS AT USC UNDER COACH ROD DEDEAUX (WITH WOOD BATS!)
MY HUSBAND IS NOW A BASEBALL COACH, SPECIALIZING IN HITTING INSTRUCTION. MOST OF THE TEACHING HE DOES IS FROM THIS BOOK. ANY HITTER AT ANY AGE CAN BENEFIT FROM THE ADVICE TED WILLIAMS GIVES IN THIS INSIGHTFUL MANUAL. IT INCLUDES A COLORED HITTING CHART THAT SHOWS WHICH PITCHES IN THE STRIKE ZONE GAVE HIM A BETTER HITTING AVERAGE, AND WHICH ONES HE AVOIDED UNLESS HE WAS IN A 3-2 SITUATION. A MUST-HAVE BOOK FOR ANY SERIOUS BASEBALL PLAYER.

Nice book which discusses the mental and "spiritual" aspect of hitting. A must for every hitter from high school to college to professional. Not so much a "how to" book but rather a "why" manual for the hitter who has the passion to spend the time and effort to get better and master the art of hitting. An absolute must for hitters.

I'm an avid baseball fan, baseball player (College) and Little League coach. The greatest hitter of all time does an absolutely fantastic job of breaking down the basics, then expanding on them. It is broken down into all the parts that matter in a swing, including lesser known drills that really open up your eyes to the full body swing. Williams backs up all his information with facts: specific batting percentages and measurements (sweet spots, strike zones, pulling/pushing). Its a fantastic book that you can read cover to cover in an hour, yet take months to fully digest all the information given to you. Not to mention the many quotes and pictures that Williams has in the book diagramming everything he's talking about and teaching you.

Hitting a baseball is so incredibly hard, yet Mr. Ted Willimams will make it seem so easy that you'll want to go to the local batting cage and try out all the tips and information he gives you. I recommend this book for anyone who has hit, wants to hit, or wants to teach others how to hit. You absolutely cannot go wrong with "The Science of Hitting".

I purchased this book for my extremely talented 13-year old, who pitched for his Little League (They won every game in his final-Age 12-year), and who now plays for a community Babe Ruth team as well as his Middle-School Team. Sawyer told me that he is fascinated with the book and it has helped him improve his hitting success.

An excellent book, and who can argue with Ted Williams! I thought that his legendary ego might get in the way of the instruction, but I am happy to say that the book is very informative and sounds as though it comes from someone who just likes to talk hitting.

This book helped me make my high school baseball team and I expect it to do the same for my son. Best book on hitting ever written, just ask Charlie Manuel, manager of the World Champion Phillies.

Great book on the physics and psychology of batting by the best practioner of all time.

Didn't like it as much as others seemed to, yet I'll still give it 5-stars. This doesn't really seem for beginners or young kids, more technical stuff. It's okay for that area, just not as good as some others (like the Ripken books). Great anecdotes, fun to read the thoughts of someone like Ted Williams, and some really good tips and strategy. I'm a coach of a 13 year old and a 4 year old so I'll definitely continue to reference this book over the years, and it was definitely worth the money to me.

First let me preface this by saying that I do not like the Boston Red Sox... But, Ted Williams is unmistakably one of the best hitters in baseball history.

I teach & coach little league baseball for my 7 year old son's baseball team. Not the head coach, but the one who helps them with their batting and hitting skills.

I picked this book up before practice began, and didn't actually read it for a couple weeks... the kids were NOT hitting very well. So, on a Friday night I read the WHOLE book and was AMAZED at the simplicity that Ted laid out the principles of good hitting.

The back elbow up, cocking your hips and then swinging a somewhat level swing with a slight upswing to it, made all the sense in the world.

We implemented this with the kids, and the next game EVERY kid got a hit... man, it feels good. So, if you are a hitter, or COACH little league... GET THIS BOOK. It will only make each player on your team a better hitter.

Ted Williams is probably the best baseball hitter of all time. The Science of Hitting, written by Ted Williams helped me so much on my swing. To pick up the pitcher on the next pitch he is throwing. But its not just having the best swing in the world you have to have good vision and confidence at the plate. So even if the pitcher throws you a change up or a curveball you have to keep your head in, keep your weight back, and wate for the ball then you swing. So always be ready for a pitch like a change up or curveball. As a hitter you whant to be able to put the ball in play where you want to place it.

He wrote the book as if he were in a conversation with you.He talks about all of the aspects of hitting. Like:

Seeing the ball, hitting mechanics, situational hitting, knowing your pitcher, bat sizes and selection, and hitting from the neck up (being a smart hitter) Say your a lefty and every one does a switch where almost every one would go to right field. You want to put the ball in left field to throw them off. He explains how the game is still like it was when he played, but there are not as many good hitter. Not enough time in batting practice or studying the game. I think this is a great book for anyone who wants to become a better hitter.

This book is the timeless classic that was actually the precurser to what is now referred to as rotational hitting. This book should be manditory reading for all coaches and players, especially at the younger ages to get the boys started the right way. There are many well intended coaches who are teaching the wrong stuff who could benefit from this book. The book is from about 1971 when Ted was managing the Texas Rangers, but he talks about what made him the greatest hitter of all time and every bit of the information makes sense.

Again, a must read for anyone associated with the game of baseball.

Forget the Charlie Lau theories and buy this book. Simply the greatest book on the proper techniques for hitting a baseball ever written!

Its a pretty good book going into the details of the science of what he believes to be a great baseball swing.

An excellent book that is meant to be read by anyone that considers the art of baseball hitting as a science! Williams the last great 400 plus hitter in baseball demonstrates through his schemas the level of acuity needed to become a serious student of this science. He was a true intellectual of the game and has shown the baseball community that thinking not just developing muscles in the game can generate a better hitter. It is an inspiration to young intelligent players who take their game seriously--there should be more of this in all sports.

Veryyyyyy good information... Has both mental and physical approaches to the game! Definately a good buy!

For young and inexperienced players, Ted Williams' name may no longer hold the magic it did when I was growing up and playing baseball. But most of us "old-timers" will still remember that Williams was the last professional ball player (in the MLB) to hit over .400 for a full season. So when my Little League aged son was struggling a bit at the plate a season ago, I broke out my copy of Williams' The Science of Hitting to look for some kernel of wisdom that would help my son get out of his slump.

But, the first line in the book is an admonition that today's best hitters fail more than they succeed "...even if you're a .300 hitter...you are going to fail at your job seven out of ten times." This statement is at once encouraging as well as discouraging. That is hitting in a nutshell (triumphant in success yet unbelievably humbling and potentially discouraging in failure) and any good player will need to remember that success as a ball player is measured a bit differently.

The admonition out of the way, Williams' book splits the topic of hitting up into two basic parts--first, the physical mechanics involved in hitting; second, the mental duel taking place between the batter and pitcher.

Much of what is written in the book is the result of Williams' conversations with great hitters of the past. As a result, much of the advice in the book is shared in the form of readable anecdotes, which make the book easy to read and enjoyable for baseball aficionados as well -- where else are you going to learn about Harry Heillman's philosophy of hitting?

One of the primary keys to Teddy Ballgame's success was his swing. The best "old-time" hitters (and Williams was certainly one of them) had a nearly a flat swing plane, flat wrist-roll and a low, rather than high finish. Most of today's hitters' display an upper cutting arc and high finish to their swings. Yet, in the "dead ball" the old-timers managed to wrack up nearly as many homeruns but had much higher batting averages and strike-out to hit ratios. This ended up being the clincher for me. I noticed immediately that my son had started trying to uppercut the ball so he could hit more homeruns (after hitting his one in his first at-bat of the season).

We started working on having him hit line drives and sure enough he raised his average from .175 to .403 by the end of the season. Then this season he kept the swing we worked on and ended up hitting .390+, but also leading the league in home runs, finishing with 22 (including 6 in the post-season).

The other thing that Williams writes (which is often misinterpreted) is that he'd never swing at a pitch he hadn't seen before. Often time people will swear (incorrectly) that Williams never swung at a pitcher's first pitch. Williams was, if nothing else, a student of the game. He intently studied pitchers watching them warm up, watching them from the on-deck circle and mentally replaying previous at-bats in his head. When he stepped into the batters box he had a game plan and he had a good understanding of what a pitcher threw and when. My son used this part of Williams' game as well and it was fun to watch him "studying" the opposing pitchers.

Thank you Ted Williams! My son, whose name is Theodore William by the way, earned the nickname "Teddy Ballgame" from his coaches and teammates as well.

Williams text in The Science of Hitting is accompanied by the wonderful pen and ink illustrations of Robert E. Cupp. These drawings and other explanatory photographs to help illustrate the points Williams is trying to make and really enhance the book.

If you are a player, coach or just a parent wanting to help your son or daughter improve their game, this book is a must have!

I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE READ THIS WHEN I WAS LOANED A COPY FROM HIGH SCHOOL COACH - UNFORUNATELY I NEVER GAVE IT BACK, UNTIL NOW - BUT I DID SHARE IT WITH MY COUSINS AND THEN SONS AND DAUGHTERS - AND NEPHEWS - ALL TO FANTASTIC RESULTS...THIS IS THE HITTERS GUIDE BY THE GREATEST HITTER OF ALL TIME...THANK YOU TED WILLIAMS - AGAIN AND AGAIN...

Nice read, talks about a ton of ideas for hitting better, have used some of them, and have noticed improved power to the opposite field.

Ted Williams was the second best player of all time, anytime he speaks or writes about baseball, it's in your best interest to soak up the info.

- I think this should be the first book on hitting any baseball player reads.
- Should be "The ART of hitting." Very little, if any, science in this book. Mostly stories and tips from Ted Williams.
- Ted Williams makes a great point that 50% of hitting is from the neck up. Many players are physically capable of hitting a baseball but lack the confidence to do it in a game. Mr. Williams gives some very good information on developing game confidence.

This is a book that you can read just to enjoy a bit of baseball history. Or to read deeper into and look into the mind of one baseballs greatest hitters of all time. It really dwells into the mental side of hitting which is probably the most often overlooked, but is just as important as the physical side of hitting. If there was ever a mandatory reading list for hitting this would be number 1 on a very short list.

lau's great for putting the ball in play at the lower levels. williams is essential for succeeding at the highest levels! take it frome someone who was there.

Learn to use your own natural swing to become a better hitter. Players of all age and ability will benefit from the advice in this book.

The passion Ted Williams had for hitting and for the game of baseball is clearly evident when reading this book. Whether you play baseball and are looking to improve or if you are just a baseball fan and are interested to learn more about how one of the best ever approached the game, this book provides a fascinating look into the art of hitting. A great read.

I truly pity the pitchers who had to face this man. Ted Williams went about the craft of hitting a baseball in the same way that artillerymen go about finding a target. This book is a wonderful (and wonderfully readable) synthesis by a man whose considerable mental and physical capabilities were focused utterly on the idea of Getting A Hit. It almost turns hitting a baseball into a philosophical position. One of the premiere "How-to" sports books of all time.

This is a great book to read over and over again. It really helped my hitting by analyzing the swing and psychology of the pitcher and hitter. Great insights into Williams' career.

This book is a must have. It gave me so much food for thought, that I intend to read it again, to make sure I haven't missed anything. The advice this book gives is straight forward and easy to understand and will help any player or coach, whatever their standard.

A great treatise on hitting by one of the greatest hitters who ever lived. Ted's theories will never go out of date. This is must reading for any baseball fan or for anyon who was to improve their hiting. Also recommended is his Hit List book and My Turn At Bat.

Several years ago I coached a team of youth all-stars. We were two tournaments away from the world series when we lost in a championship game. If I would have had this book then, there is no doubt in my mind that we would have gone to the series and won it. If you are in a similiar situation get this book before you get eliminated and regret to tell about how if you would have had this book you would have won the series.Incredible book. A must, must have. I'm looking forward to reaching the series now.

This book proves babseball isnt just a game. It is a an art, a science, and truly a treasure for all people.

simply stated;this is as close as you're gonna get to picking the brain of a person that took the the most difficult thing to do in sports,into a different time zone. i have also read bob clucks,"how to hit,how to pitch",which has alot of very helpful drills in it for both hitting and pitching.The combination of the 2 books is perfect.Teds thinking ,and theories are incredible!!

"The classic guide to 'the single most difficult thing to do in sport' by a greatest hitter of all time." Written by Ted Williams and John Underwood, featuring Rose, Murray, Schmidt, Brett, Carew, Murphy, and other great hitters of the 70's & 80's. " A major influence on my basic hitting skills through my formative years and a must for learning and knowing the strike zone." Wade Boggs, American League batting champion, now would he lie? This guide features: how to think like a pitcher and guess the pitch, the 3 cardinal rules for developing a smooth line-driving swing, the secrets of hip and wrist action, pitch selection, bunting, hitting the opposite way, And So Much More! If you can't find this book here, you might want to search The Bunnies Auctions at eBay. ;)

Ted Williams didn't give a care what people said of his opinion when he was a player, and I guarantee he didn't care what people thought when he wrote this book. He bashes the Boston press, puts down the degree of difficulty in playing golf. I tell you this - he does it in his usual classy way. You get Ted's opinion of who the all-time great hitters are, a few are listed from today's era. He'll enetertain you if you're past your playing days, and teach you to hit if you're still playing. I recomend this book to Dean Palmer-too much of a fastball hitter. Dean, keep your hands back and use the strongest muscle in your body- your BRAIN.

This is a great book that goes in depth with the art of hitting. It is kind of directed for advanced hitters only because of the terminology. Ted does a good job with his mental approach to hitting as well as the physical part.

This book is the most comprehensive treatise on the techniques of hitting. I have coached youth baseball for over 10 years and have developed winning teams and successful ball players using Williams' philosophies. If you intend to teach hitting, you should read and reference this guide often. Not for casual baseball info.

Easy to follow guidelines and diagrams. I especially liked his hitting zone diagram.Ted makes it simple to understand and tells the basics of hitting as only a player who has done it can. A great hitter and a great hitting instruction book.

Truly one of the greatest baseball players of all time, Ted Williams, has outlined his techniques and philosophy of batting. Ted dives into the intracate details of the science of hitting a baseball. There are plenty of diagrams that help to understand his concepts. This book is a must for the serious player and the beginner alike