Most Young Hitters Waste Their On-Deck Time. Here’s What They Should Be Doing Instead

I see it every weekend.

A kid steps into the on-deck circle and starts swinging just to swing.

A few loose hacks.

Some shoulder rolls.

A stretch or two.

Maybe a joke with a teammate.

They think they’re getting ready to hit.

But they aren’t actually preparing to hit.

Here’s the truth parents need to hear.

On-deck is not warm-up time.

Warm-ups already happened.

On-deck is timing time.

It’s information-gathering time.

The real goal is simple.

When your player steps into the box, the first pitch should feel familiar, not rushed or brand new.

What On-Deck Time Should Actually Be Used For

Time the pitcher’s motion

• Watch then the pitcher separates their hands.

• Start your load right then.

• Practice that timing on deck before you ever step in.

Track the ball all the way

Every pitch, follow the ball from release to the catcher’s glove.

No swinging. Just seeing.

Make a decision on every pitch

Ask yourself, was that a Yes-Yes-YES pitch I would swing at?

Or a Yes-Yes-NO pitch I would take?

This trains the brain to decide early.

Slow the breathing to game speed

Slow inhale.

Slow exhale.

This settles the nervous system before it’s your turn.

All of this creates a calmer hitter who processes the game faster.

A Simple On-Deck Routine to Teach Your Player

Have your player do this every pitch while waiting to hit.

• Step with the pitcher’s rhythm

• Load at hand separation

• Quietly track the ball with the eyes

• Make a mental yes or no decision

• Repeat

Here’s why this matters.

Instead of their first swing being their first timed rep, it becomes their fourth or fifth.

That alone can change an entire at-bat.

Final Takeaway

The best hitters don’t wait until they step into the batter’s box to start timing the game.

They’re already timing while they’re on deck.

Help your player build this habit now and you’ll see the difference quickly.

They’ll settle faster.

They’ll see the ball better.

They’ll make smarter decisions before their first swing even happens.

Next Step

Next time your player is on deck, don’t tell them to swing harder or loosen up more. Just remind them to watch the pitcher, breathe slow, and track the ball. Try it for one game and notice how much calmer their first at-bat looks. If you want more simple habits like this, subscribe below. I’ve got you.