Im new to these forums and just have a quick question. I just started playing baseball in 7th grade, and am currently in the summer before 9th grade. I bat 2nd on my team (because im a short 5'2", 105lb, speedy, lefty). I led my MS team in hits and rbis. I have been seeing pitchers throw to me about 55-65mph in an average middle school league. I am now trying to get my timing down for those 75-80mph high school fastballs. Any tips on how to adjust before my season starts?

Try to get on a travel team that play in tournaments in the summer to play against the best competition possible. You'll get used to the speeds from the better pitching.

Evan Beiter
To be able to play at a higher level would do some good, although you will be limited on times at bat and number of good swings at pitched balls at a higher level of velocity, games are not the place to hone up on ones skills, as with all things the more one consistently and constructively practices on something the better the chances of improvement are, I would suggest not to hit off of pitching machines or from flat ground due to the fact that every time you play a game you will be swinging at pitches coming from a pitcher throwing from a ten inch high mound, you time a thrown ball coming out of a pitchers hand not coming out of a machine which you cannot see until it gets app. three feet or so out towards you, for one to be very successful their "PRACTICE SESSIONS MUST CORROLATE WITH GAME type SITUATIONS AND CONDITIONS" Practice the way you will be playing, Every age group step up one will need to step up their potential to that caliber of play also, get some one to throw to you every day, improve your mechanics by doing tee and soft toss also, if you want to get better you must spend many quality hours constructively practicing