How to Hit/How to Pitch

by Rob Cluck and Bob Cluck

Book Overview

A complete self-coaching system for winning baseball.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0809236400
• ISBN13: 9780809236404
• Release Date: April 1995
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 9.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 7.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

The best advice I've read about techniques

I've read a lot of conflicting advice on the internet since picking up softball again for the first time in 20+ years, particularly about how to swing the bat and hit. It is a suitable reference for beginning and intermediate players. The advice that Bob Cluck gives actually applies to either baseball or softball hitting, since the batting mechanics and the importance of visualizing the ball in each sport are similar. He doesn't go overboard on the explanations, which works very well for me, but maybe some readers would prefer more technical and scientific advice. As for me, I like to keep my mind clear during batting practice or at bat during the game, but I do like to focus on a few key points, which Bob Cluck makes very clearly. His advice incorporates and balances the debate between linear versus rotational mechanics while swinging the bat. The book is illustrated with good photos on what to do as well as what not to do. The "don't" photos are quite exaggerated, but they drive the point home with a bit of humor. They also picture people of different ages, which broadens its appeal. I haven't applied the other half of the book about pitching, so I can't comment about whether the advice works or not. However, I have used it on the sidelines as a tool to show people how to throw better, even though pitching and throwing are two separate acts. But its advice and photos have helped some of our weaker players visualize and throw the ball with more power. Overall, I like his writing style and tips. I keep it in my equipment bag as a quick show-and-tell reference. The advice makes sense.

This book works for girls too!

Bob Cluck is not only an excellent pitching coach, but has accomplished something few other baseball instructional writers have... written a book that has something to offer for women baseball players. More and more girls are playing ball and this book really helped my sister and i focus on mechanics, without feeling like we were in left field.

sound advice from a mentor to his apprentices

I've been coaching 16-17 year old boys in baseball for the past 15 years and I've been a devoted baseball junkie for about 43 years. One thing I've learned is that books of instruction from people who are career coaches, as opposed to thoroughbred athletes, are simply the best. Bob Cluck, now a scout for the Montreal Expos and owner of the San Diego School of Baseball, has assembled a book that is superbly adapted to the needs of youth coaches and players. The content is in the public domain and it is correct. I particularly admire his advice on throwing the curveball. Baseball isn't rocket science; some authors make it appear to be so. Bob's book is easy to understand. Well worth the cost.

excellant book,not overly technical,just enough.

the book deals with just the right amount of information without getting needlessly overly technical.When i've seen other books that overstate the technicalities of hitting and pitching,i feel it becomes counter productive.There's only so much that goes into to hitting and pitching,its not rocket scientry.My thanks to bob cluck.i would also suggest ;ted williams,science of hitting,more technical though.

Terrific book for hitters, pitchers, & coaches at all levels

Easy to understand book for intermediate to advanced players and coaches. This book shows you how to coach yourself or others and learn quickly. Fundamentals and advanced mechanics of hitting and pitching are presented like never before. Recommended by All Stars Tony Gwynn of the Padres and Alan Trammell of the Tigers.