Quick Recap
The load prepares the body for explosive movement.
A good load builds energy while keeping the hitter athletic, balanced, and prepared to support every pillar that follows.
For the purposes of Launch Baseball, the load includes every movement that prepares the body to fire and ends at heel plant.
Before We Begin
There are countless ways to load.
Some hitters use no stride. Others use a small stride, a toe tap, or a larger leg lift. At first glance, these movements may look completely different.
They are not trying to accomplish different goals.
They are simply using different methods to solve the same problem.
At Launch Baseball, we do not judge the appearance of a hitter's load. We judge what it accomplishes.
A quality load prepares the body for explosive movement while supporting every pillar that follows.
If it builds energy, maintains balance, supports an efficient firing sequence, and places the hands in a position that supports a quality barrel path, then it is accomplishing its purpose.
The method is less important than the result.
Common Loading Techniques
There is no single correct loading style.
Different hitters can solve the same problem in different ways.
No Stride
A no-stride load minimizes forward movement while still allowing the hitter to gather, build energy, and prepare to fire.
Small Stride
A small stride creates rhythm and controlled movement without requiring a large change in position.
Toe Tap
A toe tap allows the hitter to begin the load by gathering before moving forward.
Larger Leg Lift
Some successful hitters naturally use a larger leg lift.
Like every other loading style, it should be evaluated by the same principles.
The size of the leg lift is not the objective. The quality of the load is.
What We Want From the Load
Every quality load should accomplish the same basic objectives.
- Build energy.
- Create movement before explosive movement.
- Maintain an athletic and balanced position.
- Keep the head neutral and both eyes available to track the baseball.
- Place the hands in a position that supports an efficient barrel path.
- Leave the body prepared to fire efficiently from the ground up.
The load should strengthen every pillar that follows—not make them more difficult.
Timing the Load
The load should be completed in time to handle the fastest pitch that pitcher can throw.
The hitter needs to know the pitcher's rhythm, delivery, and available velocity well enough to begin and complete the load on time.
Once the ball is released, the hitter begins gathering as much information as possible.
- Speed
- Location
- Spin
- Changes in elevation
If the hitter is still trying to complete the load while identifying the pitch, valuable decision-making time has already been lost.
The load prepares the body. The eyes prepare the decision.
In Game Situations
Preparation begins before the hitter steps into the batter's box.
Watch the pitcher while he is warming up. Study his rhythm and begin rehearsing your own load.
Continue practicing it while you are on deck.
When you step into the box, your load should not be something you are trying to figure out.
It should already feel familiar.
Drills
Load & Hold
Lift into the load and briefly hover while reading the pitch. Then land and hold a balanced, neutral position that is ready to attack.
Rear Leg Pressure Drill
Place the back foot 8–12 inches up a wall and the front foot in a strided position. Push through the back foot while the front leg accepts and resists the force.
Step Back
Use a controlled step backward to feel the body gather before moving forward into the stride.
Walk Through
Use continuous movement to create rhythm and prevent the load from becoming stiff or stagnant.
Med Ball Catch
Catch a light medicine ball at different moments during the load. The hitter should remain athletic enough to stabilize without falling backward or lunging forward.
Push Test
A partner applies light pressure during the load to test whether the hitter remains centered, stable, and capable of continuing the movement.
Eyes Closed
Remove visual feedback and use body awareness to feel whether the load remains controlled and balanced.
Common Mistakes
- Hands positioned too low.
- Hands positioned too high.
- Remaining stagnant before the swing.
- Drifting too far onto the back side.
- Lunging toward the pitcher.
- Landing too open to fire the hips efficiently.
- Landing and firing every body part at the same time.
- Over-coiling the body.
- Over-turning the head and eyes away from the pitcher.
Does the movement make the next pillar stronger or weaker?
Self Evaluation
- Is my load complete before I need to decide whether to swing?
- Can I remain athletic throughout the entire load?
- Is my weight controlled near my center of mass?
- Can I create force without sacrificing balance?
- Do my hands support an efficient barrel path?
- Am I prepared to fire efficiently from the ground up at heel plant?
- Does my load strengthen every pillar that follows?