Understanding what these coaches and scouts are looking for in a high school hitter can make a significant difference in catching their eye and earning a spot on their team.

Here’s a breakdown of the key skills and traits that college coaches prioritize when assessing high school hitters.
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1. Hit Ability: Consistency in hitting the ball hard is paramount. College coaches value hitters who frequently make solid contact, finding the barrel of the bat often. While exit velocity is a commonly discussed metric, it’s not the most critical. The focus should be on consistently hitting the ball hard in game situations, not just during batting practice.
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2. On Base Ability: Getting on base is the ultimate goal. Coaches look for players who can find various ways to reach base, whether through hitting, walking, or forcing errors due to hard-hit balls. Plate discipline plays a crucial role here. Hitters who have a good awareness of the strike zone, know their strengths and weaknesses, and minimize strikeouts while maximizing walks stand out.
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3. Swing Mechanics: A short, compact, and quick swing is essential. High hand speed, translating to high bat speed, is crucial for competing against better competition. As players move from high school to college, the average pitching speed increases significantly, often reaching the upper 80s to 90s. A quick and efficient swing is necessary to handle this velocity.
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4. Game Power: While BP power is impressive, coaches want to see if it translates into game situations. The importance of power varies by position—corner infielders and outfielders are typically expected to show more power, while middle infielders and center fielders may not need as much. Extra-base hits like doubles, triples, and home runs are key indicators.
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5. Presence and Athleticism: Presence at the plate against good pitchers is a strong indicator of a hitter's potential. Coaches look for controlled aggression and a calm demeanor, even when facing high velocity. Athleticism is also crucial—how a player moves on the field, in the on-deck circle, and on the bases provides insight into their overall physical potential and projectability.
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6. Physicality and Projectability: Physical presence and the potential for further physical development are important. Players need to show that they are physically prepared and have the potential to continue developing. Strength and conditioning play a significant role in this aspect.
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7. Coachability and Work Ethic: Coaches assess a player’s coachability and work ethic. They look for athletes who seek knowledge, demonstrate a strong work ethic, and show leadership qualities. Academic performance is also a factor, as it reflects a player’s discipline and ability to balance responsibilities.
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Focus on Your Strengths

It’s crucial for players to focus on their strengths and not try to be someone they're not. Understanding your role and excelling in it is better than attempting to fit a mold that doesn’t suit your natural abilities. Knowing your identity as a hitter and sticking to it can prevent mistakes and enhance overall performance. Understanding what college coaches and scouts are looking for in a high school hitter can significantly improve your chances of being noticed and recruited.

Focus on consistency, plate discipline, swing mechanics, game power, presence, athleticism, physicality, and coach-ability. Stay true to your strengths, and you'll be better positioned to succeed at the next level.
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