At Rijo Athletics Baseball and Softball, our hitting instruction is based on the belief that all hitters must be comfortable and hit to their own unique strengths – no cloning, swings differ slightly!  For instance, a power hitter should have a slightly different plane to the ball than a player who can run and should stay over the top of the ball.  Our hitting instruction is taught the same to all ages!  This means we teach the same thing to our 9-10 year olds as we teach our pro and college level kids.  Our goal is to get all players to understand what it takes to be a “hitter”, not just having a “pretty swing”.  To do this, Rijo Athletics has an effective and unique system to develop the intangibles of being a quality “hitter”.  It starts with the development of swing mechanics.  A player must master his/her swing mechanics to be able to advance into learning how to hit inside/outside pitches and off-speed pitches.  However, swing mechanics alone don’t make a great hitter.  After understanding how to control their swing mechanics, we then can teach them the important things to becoming a great hitter:  bat speed, timing, pitch recognition, pitch selection, plan and approach.  These are the true aspects of what a player must eventually understand and learn to achieve the results that they want on the field.



At Rijo Athletics, we offer both individual and group/team instruction for players of all ages and ability levels. We teach players not only the proper form, but also how to be comfortable – because in order to become a complete player, you must be comfortable in your approach to hitting, pitching, catching and fielding. (If you, as a player or parent, are ever told that you have to do it one certain way to succeed, run the other direction!)



Yes, certain things must be done in order to be successful, but there is no single right way. For example, all hitters must “load” their swing. Some have their hands high (Edgar Martinez) and others rest their hands on their shoulders before loading (John Olerud). They use proper mechanics, but they still do what is comfortable for them. In pitching, some throw over the top (Roger Clemens), and some throw three-quarters (Randy Johnson), but all will keep their elbow above their shoulder.



At Rijo Athletics, we offer both individual and group/team instruction for players of all ages and ability levels. We teach players not only the proper form, but also how to be comfortable – because in order to become a complete player, you must be comfortable in your approach to hitting, pitching, catching and fielding. (If you, as a player or parent, are ever told that you have to do it one certain way to succeed, run the other direction!)



Yes, certain things must be done in order to be successful, but there is no single right way. For example, all hitters must “load” their swing. Some have their hands high (Edgar Martinez) and others rest their hands on their shoulders before loading (John Olerud). They use proper mechanics, but they still do what is comfortable for them. In pitching, some throw over the top (Roger Clemens), and some throw three-quarters (Randy Johnson), but all will keep their elbow above their shoulder.