The Mike Schmidt Study: Hitting Theory, Skills and Technique (Paperback)

by Robert Ellis Mike Schmidt (Author) "Much of the discussion on hitting systems revolves around five basic hitting principles..." (more)
Key Phrases: front arm extension, top hand action, shift hitter, Rotation System, Richie Zisk, Ted Williams (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Former Philadelphia Phillie third baseman Mike Schmidt's Hall of Fame career was fueled by an unshakable work ethic and an intelligence that allowed him to sift through numerous hitting theories and choose the elements that best complemented his physical abilities. This book is the result of more than 20 years of study and application on Schmidt's part. It is designed to assist little-league coaches with the difficult task of teaching young players how to hit. Schmidt combines elements of three major systems into one: the early weight-shift system (think of films of Ty Cobb); the Charlie Lau weight shift; and the Ted Williams rotation. The analogy Schmidt uses to differentiate between the shift and rotation systems is the difference between a shot-putter and a javelin thrower. The javelin thrower generates force via running and a final thrust (weight shift); the shot-putter requires a torquing movement (rotation) in a small space. Through text, photos, and line drawings, Schmidt explores the mental aspects of hitting, situational hitting, the strike zone, hand action, and how to recognize ball rotation, among other elements. This is an excellent text for hitters--young or old--and their coaches. Wes Lukowsky

Review
You won't find a better hitting book than The Mike Schmidt Study anywhere." -- Pete Rose -- Pete Rose read, 1994.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: McGriff & Bell (May 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0963460927
• ISBN-13: 978-0963460929
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #84,686 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Among the best that I have read...great book!!!, June 11, 2002

By	Joe Hernandez, Int'l Latin Music Hall of Fame (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews

Hitting a baseball is considered one of the most difficult skills in sports. "The Mike Schmidt Study" is an excellent book on the subject of hitting. You cannot go wrong from reading and applying the content of this book. There are many theories and opinions on the science and art of hitting...from linear mechanics to rotational mechanics to combining both. This book is well written. Without wasting your time with lengthy text explanations it shows with clear illustrations and simple but effective drills how to learn and improve your hitting. The book covers all aspects of hitting, from theory to the swing and mental mechanics that are necessary to excel as a hitter. No one book is going to cover or satisfy completely all there is to know about hitting. But the Mike Schmidt Study, with its twelve-lesson format, is as good a study on hitting as you will come across anywhere. Excellent for coaches, hitters and parents who want to help their son or daughters master the skill of hitting. I have used a great deal of what I have learned here in my hitting clinics to youngsters ... I wish I knew just a fifth of what is in this book when I played "AA". You can't go wrong reading this book...anyone that says differently just do not know what they are talking about or and never played baseball, let alone try to hit a ball.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learn from the best, May 15, 2003

By	Msg4ever (Florida) - See all my reviews

With over thirty years experience in this great game, I think I learned a little about hitting. The most concise and clear examples and explanation of how to become a great hitter is in this book. It is extremely well written and gives all hitters the necessary tools to improve their performance. If you could only purchase one book on hitting, this would have to be the one!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Baseball Resource I've seen, June 29, 1999

By A Customer

This is definately the best overall resource on hitting that I've come across. Mr. Schmidt is one of the few pro players who is willing to put time and energy into a project to help younger players. In a time where there are hitting manuals that can reach the price range of hundreds of dollars you can't go wrong with this one. It contains information that easily competes (if not surpasses) any other source out there and at a resonable price. The theory and techniques illustrated in this book would have took entire career to compile to this extent. I've read many, many baseball "How-to" books but this is simply the best in terms of the art of hitting and you wouldn't go wrong buying this one. Mr. Schmidt wasn't only the best third baseman of all time but was truly a student-of-the-game.