Baseball is regarded as the American pastime. From sandlot games as a kid to softball tournaments as an adult, baseball will always, somehow, be a part of your life. Although tossing a ball around in the yard during a game of catch with a friend or your kid can be satisfying, eventually you will want to step up to the plate and hit a baseball. Hitting is the fun part of baseball, but if you can't seem to make contact between the ball and the bat it can quickly become frustrating and even embarrassing. Yet, with a little studying of the fundamentals and a whole lot of practice, you'll soon be well on your way to hitting baseballs over the fence, or at least hitting them somewhere.

1. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

As much as you may hate to admit it, there really is no better way to hit a baseball then by going out to the field and practicing it. After all, practice really does make perfect. Whether you opt to practice by taking swings with a friend or heading to a batting cage, the more swings you take means the better you'll get. When you're out taking practicing, be sure to keep these fundamentals in mind:

Grip: Always hold the bat like you would hold an axe. If you are right handed, put your left hand near the knob found at the bottom of the bat and your right hand directly above that. Left-handers should do exactly the opposite. The curve of the lower barrel should rest in the middle of your fingers. Too many novice players put this part of the bat in their palms, which doesn't allow for a firm grip. If you have soft hands, consider wearing batting gloves to protect yourself from blisters and to hold onto the bat with a better grip.Stance: The batter stands in the batter's box, which surrounds home plate. Find a place where you feel comfortable, keeping in mind that the farther back you stand the more time you'll have to react to the pitch. Your stance should be comfortable and somewhat relaxed. Your feet should be angled and your knees slightly bent, with your legs spread about to shoulders length apart in order to maintain balance.Bat Position: The bottom of your bat should be at approximately the same level as your armpits. Your arms should be slightly off your torso, but not extended.Take Aim: As the pitch is released and the ball is coming at you, take a step towards the pitcher's mound. When moving, keep your head and torso steady and never let your eyes stray from the ball. Focus is the key to making contact. As you stride towards the ball, your entire lower body should follow but your hands and shoulders should remain still.Swing Away: When the ball reaches the batter's box, it's time to swing. As you swing, try to keep the bat behind the ball. As the swing reaches the ball, you should pivot forward and shift your weight from the back foot to the front foot. At all times during the swing your elbows should remain close to your body. Keep your head steady and your eye on the ball. You should actually be able to see the ball hit the bat. Once you have made contact, follow through with your upper torso, never stopping your swing short.