What should batters do if they are having problems hitting pitchers with high-velocity fastballs? I had an email exchange with Jake Epstein on this topic. Here are some strategies you might want to try.

1. Set up farther back in the batter’s box. Remember, however, the strike zone is over the plate, not where you set up.
2. With no strikes or even one strike, look for a fastball down the middle, sit on that pitch, and try to get the bat head out front.
3. Start the load/stride sooner. For example, if you usually start to move as the pitcher brings his arm forward, then try starting as the pitcher brings his arm back and up.
4. If you are having trouble striding on time, try using a no stride.
5. If you are having trouble getting the bat head out front, try driving the ball to the opposite field. Let the ball travel a little deeper and get on plane with the pitch.
6. The more fast pitches you see, the quicker you will adapt. The Bat Cave has machines that can throw pitches from 35 to 100 mph.