Yesterday we talked about selective aggression — not swinging more, but swinging with purpose. Today, the question becomes: what do we actually say to support that in games? If aggression starts before the pitch, then our coaching language has to live there too. Yelling mechanics mid-at-bat creates urgency, not clarity. It pulls hitters out of their plan and into reaction mode. Instead of coaching swings, we coach decisions. We reinforce things like: - “What pitch are you hunting here?” - “That didn’t match the plan — good take.” - “Stay committed to your zone.” - “Trust the decision you made before the pitch.” When hitters hear language that validates the plan, they compete freely. They swing with intent, take pitches without frustration, and stay aggressive without chasing. The goal isn’t more information — it’s better timing of information. When our words match the approach we’re teaching, hitters don’t feel rushed or restricted. They feel prepared. That’s how selective aggression shows up in games.

Aggressive doesn’t mean swinging more — it means swinging with purpose. Selective aggression is the ability to hunt your pitch, in your zone, at the right time — and confidently say no to everything else. The best hitters aren’t reckless. They’re disciplined hunters. They enter the box with clarity, not urgency, and that clarity allows them to be aggressive without chasing. We want hitters to understand: - Aggression starts before the pitch - A clear plan creates freedom, not hesitation - Taking a pitch that doesn’t match the plan is a win When hitters know what they’re looking for, the swing becomes faster, cleaner, and more on time — because the decision was already made.

This week’s Hit Code focus is redefining what aggression at the plate truly means. Too often, hitters are told to “be aggressive,” and that message turns into swinging more, chasing earlier, or feeling pressure to put every ball in play. That’s not real aggression — that’s uncertainty. True aggression starts before the pitch. Aggressive hitters: • Enter the box with a clear plan • Hunt specific pitches and zones • Attack pitches that match the intent • Take strikes that don’t — without frustration or doubt A confident take is not passive. It’s a competitive decision. If the pitch doesn’t match the intent, it’s a take — even if it’s called a strike. Over time, this discipline creates better counts, harder contact, and more consistent at-bats. Throughout the week we’ll break down: • How to teach aggression without creating chase habits • What coaches should say when a hitter takes a strike • How to encourage competitiveness without panic • Why we grade decisions, not outcomes 🎯 Key Reminder: Aggressive hitters don’t swing more. They swing better.

The game ends when the last out is made — but development continues after it. What parents say in the car, later that night, or over text can either build confidence and competitiveness… or create pressure and hesitation. ❌ What Not to Say These comments tend to create fear, second-guessing, or result-based thinking: - “Why didn’t you swing at that?” - “You should’ve had that.” - “The coach messed that up.” - “That ump cost you the game.” - “You didn’t look focused today.” These statements: - Tie confidence to outcomes - Pull players out of the moment - Teach them to play not to faiL ✅ How to Encourage Aggressiveness the Right Way Aggressiveness is a positive — when it’s tied to intent, preparation, and competing, not results. Say things like: - “I love how you stayed aggressive to your plan.” - “Keep hunting the pitch you’re ready to hit.” - “Be aggressive when it matches your approach.” - “Trust your work and let it fly.” This reinforces: - Confidence - Clarity - Competing with purpose ✅ What To Say After a Tough Game Start with support: - “I love watching you play.” - “I’m proud of how you competed.” Ask, don’t analyze - “What felt good today?” - “What did you learn?” Point forward - “What do you want to work on this week?” - “How can you prepare better for the next opportunity?” 🤫 When Saying Nothing Is Best Sometimes the best support is: - A snack - Music - Silence Not every game needs a breakdown. Bottom Line Aggressiveness is a strength when it’s intentional. Encourage competing. Encourage confidence. Encourage preparation. Let coaches coach. Let players learn. Help them compete. That’s real development.

This week, we’re reinforcing that direction and approach have to be blended together — not taught or trained in isolation — for real on-field success. At the highest levels, hitters aren’t thinking mechanics in the box. They’re competing with a clear plan and letting their direction support that plan. Confidence comes from knowing what you’re hunting and where you’re trying to drive it — and trusting that combination. A great Major League example of this is Juan Soto. Soto isn’t successful because he swings harder or tries to cover every pitch. He’s elite because of his approach clarity — he knows the pitch and zone he’s hunting — and his direction commitment, staying through the ball to the middle of the field. When the pitch doesn’t match the plan, he doesn’t flinch. When it does, he commits fully. That blend is what allows his swing to play under pressure. We teach our hitters the same mindset: direction gives your swing purpose, approach gives your at-bat discipline. When those two are aligned, swings become aggressive without being reckless. Development happens when hitters trust that letting a pitch go is just as valuable as swinging — because both are decisions tied to a plan. Our long-term goal isn’t short-term results. It’s building hitters who slow the game down, stay disciplined in tough counts, and trust their process. Clear approach + committed direction = confident competitors. That’s how it works in the big leagues, and that’s what we’re building here.