One of the most important aspects of hitting is being prepared for the job at hand. Knowing 3 or 4 batters in advance what the situation might be when you step to the plate. Even before the game will start I am already thinking about what I want to accomplish in this game. I take a look around and find out who is pitching, because it just seems that you have a tendency to hit some people better than others. If I know that the pitcher is a tough pitcher with maybe a lot of motion or really knows where to place the ball then I know that I am going to have to pick up the pace and really concentrate on the job at hand...I think that with the new USSSA rule where you have one strike on you when you step to the plate has speeded up the game. I also think that the new rule should make you a aggressive hitter. With one strike on you, please be prepared to hit the first pitch. The first pitch might be your only strike and if you are not ready for it you might have to take that walk. I realize that walks win ballgames, but more often than not your every night of the week ball player might not get to swing all that many times. So no matter what level you play or what league you play in, please be prepared.