How to choose a hitting coach

Look for a coach who has worked with players at your level, starts by watching before changing anything, and explains changes in a cue or two you can practice between lessons.

• 654hitting coaches and programs listed
• 63%coach at a batting cage facility
• 0mention HitTrax or swing tech

From the coaches in our directory and the prices facilities publish on their own websites. Swing tech counts only coaches whose website or listing mentions it, so the real number is higher.

Questions to ask before the first lesson

1. 1

   Who have you coached, and at what level?

   A coach who works with 10-year-olds teaches differently from one who preps college recruits. Ask for players at your level and how they progressed.

2. 2

   What does a first lesson look like?

   A good first lesson starts with an assessment: watching swings, maybe on video, before changing anything.

3. 3

   How do you explain changes?

   Players improve faster with one or two clear cues per lesson than with a list of fixes. Listen for simple language a player can repeat.

4. 4

   Do you use video or swing tracking?

   HitTrax, Rapsodo, Blast Motion or plain phone video show progress in numbers. It isn't required, but it helps you see whether lessons are working.

5. 5

   How long is a lesson, and what do packages cost?

   Lessons run 30 to 60 minutes. Packs of lessons usually cost less each; ask about the cancellation policy before you buy one.

6. 6

   What should we work on between lessons?

   Most progress happens in practice between lessons. A good coach gives drills to do at home or in a cage.

7. 7

   Are you background-checked?

   For youth players, ask whether the coach has a background check and SafeSport or similar abuse-prevention training, and whether parents can watch.

Red flags

• Rebuilds a swing completely in the first lesson.
• Promises a scholarship, a draft spot or a specific exit velocity.
• Won't let parents watch youth lessons.
• Can't explain why a change will help.
• Pushes a long prepaid package before a single lesson.

What hitting lessons cost

We're still collecting lesson prices from facilities' own websites. Lengths run 30 to 60 minutes, so compare the price per hour, and packs of lessons usually cost less each.

For cage rental, tokens and memberships, see how much batting cages cost.

Independent coach or facility coach?

Of the 654 coaches and coaching programs in our directory, 410 are at a facility that also rents batting cages and 244 are independent coaches, academies or programs. A facility coach comes with cages, machines and often swing tech, and you can rent a cage to practice between lessons. An independent coach may come to your field or backyard cage, and is often more flexible on schedule and price. Either way, ask the questions above.

Find hitting coaches

• New York City (39)
• Houston (35)
• Los Angeles (31)
• San Diego (29)
• San Antonio (27)
• Oklahoma City (18)
• Chicago (17)
• Jacksonville (17)
• Phoenix (15)
• Knoxville (13)
• Lexington (13)
• Austin (12)

Hitting coaches by state

Where these numbers come from

Coaches are businesses and programs in our directory that offer hitting or pitching instruction, counted once each. Chain sporting-goods stores aren't included. Lesson prices are the median of what each facility lists on its own website, read by our crawler. Prices change, so confirm with the coach before you book.

Frequently asked questions

What should I ask a hitting coach?

Ask who they've coached and at what level, what a first lesson looks like, how they explain changes, whether they use video or swing tracking, how long lessons are and what packages cost, what to work on between lessons, and, for youth players, whether they're background-checked.

How often should a player take hitting lessons?

Once a week or every other week suits most players, with practice on the coach's drills in between. More lessons without practice between them rarely helps.

Where do hitting coaches give lessons?

Most give lessons at batting cage facilities: 63% of the 654 hitting coaches and coaching programs in our directory are at a facility that also rents batting cages. Others teach at schools, parks or a player's own backyard cage.