Steve Hacker's Hitting Building Blocks

Phase 2 SWING MECHANICS & POWER DEVELOPMENT

Load and Stride, Your Negative Move

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Load and Stride, Your Negative Move
Week 3 Steve Hacker's Hitting Building Blocks

Outline & Summary of Week 4 Hitting Program

1. Key Focus: Negative Move – Weight Shift and Load

  • Weight Shift: Minimal move back to create momentum and allow time to read the pitch.

  • Load Sequence: Hands go back first → then down toward zone → then flat → then through the ball.

  • Purpose:

    • Creates rhythm and momentum.

    • Extends pitch recognition time if executed on time.

    • Sets up body for a powerful, efficient swing.

MLB Examples of Negative Move:

  • Jason Heyward

  • Matt Holliday

  • Bryce Harper

  • Alex Bregman

  • Mickey Mantle

Instructional Video Links:


2. Weekly Preparation

  • Players must watch the video on negative move and load before practice.


3. Week 4 Practice Itinerary

  • Format: 5 stations, 10 minutes each + 1 final group station (10 minutes).

Stations:

  • Group A – Big Cage: Situational BP rounds (bunt, oppo, hit and run) + rocking drill.

  • Group B – Cage 4 Drill Work: Step-back drill.

  • Group C – Cage 3 Power Development: Heavy bats and heavy balls (2 x 6 off tee, 3 x 6 side toss).

  • Group D – Cage 2 Velo Station: Step-back drill with tee, middle tees.

  • Group E – Cage 1 Core Strength: Medicine ball recoil rollover slams (6 x 8 with 10 lb ball).


4. Equipment / Setup Notes

  • Hack Attack machine, L-screens, baseballs.

  • Heavy balls, heavy bats, tires/punching bag for resistance.

  • Tees for step-back and middle tee work.

  • Medicine balls (10 lb) for rotational core strength.


Overall Focus of Week 4

  • Master the negative move as the foundation of timing and rhythm.

  • Improve pitch recognition by loading correctly and on time.

  • Reinforce power generation through proper weight shift and body momentum.

  • Blend situational BP, mechanical drills, and strength work to create a complete swing foundation.

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