The Situation- This is the most important thing to keep in mind. The situation will define your job once you step into the box. How many men are on base? How many outs are there? Do I need to move the runner over or just try to get on base? Make sure you know the situation and get the signals from your coach so you know what is expected of you once you dig in.

The Pitcher- Keep an eye on the pitcher before you come up to bat. What’s her arc like? Is she throwing a lot of breaking balls? What part of the zone does she like to work to? Knowing a pitcher’s tendencies can help you predict how she is going to pitch you, which can drastically improve your chances of getting a solid hit.

The Umpire- If your umpire is very particular about the strike zone, they can make a huge impact on the success of your trip to the plate. Be aware of how liberal they are with the strike zone, and know where the pitcher is going to have to throw in order to get the calls. This will help you minimize your zone to a particular area and enable you to wait on the perfect pitch.

The Field- Take a moment to look out at the field before you step in to hit. Are the outfielders shaded in one direction or another? Is one outfielder playing too close to the line? Look for gaps or weaknesses in the defense and try to exploit them, and make sure to let your teammates know of anything you notice that might help them out.

The Elements- Other factors like sunshine, wind, and temperature can make a difference in how you should approach your at-bat. For example, if a strong wind is blowing in, you should keep the ball low and fast instead of trying to hit a deep fly ball. Be aware of the environmental conditions and how they can impact your effectiveness at the plate.