• Beginners and professionals can struggle with hitting a baseball, the hardest thing to do in sports, according to an NBC Sports poll. Every batter wants to make contact with the pitch and get on base, but success takes practice. The following books teach players to hit better, help coaches provide instruction and give fans an appreciation for the art of hitting.
  
  

"Coaching Youth Baseball: Teaching Hitting Fundamentals" by Kenneth Siegler

• This easy-to-follow book gives advice for teaching young players how to hit a baseball. It emphasizes learning the right fundamentals and includes large photos illustrating the correct body position, bat placement and swing technique. The step-by-step guide also lists baseball drills that coaches can use to help their players gain confidence at the plate. As of January 2010, Amazon.com offers this book for $18.21.
  
  

"Don Mattingly's Hitting Is Simple: The ABCs of Batting .300" by Don Mattingly and Jim Rosenthal

• This book offers uncomplicated explanations to help both the beginner and more experienced batter. Co-written by a former major league baseball player, the book includes drills and discussions on fundamentals, technique, raising your batting average and making consistent contact. Mattingly also offers troubleshooting tips and personal advice on coaching kids. Barnes & Noble offers this book for $17.95 as of January 2010.
  
  

"The Louisville Slugger Complete Book of Hitting Faults and Fixes" by Mark Gola and John Monteleone

• This well-organized book breaks down the components of a batter's swing. It comes with illustrations to help hitters visualize the drills. The book can help hitters who are struggling with stance, pre-swing movement, hip rotation and weight transfer. Coaches and players at all levels can learn improvement strategies here. As of January 2010, you can find this book for $17.95 at Barnes & Noble.
  
  

"The Mental Keys to Hitting: A Handbook of Strategies for Performance Enhancement" by H.A. Dorfman

• This text-only book teaches the proper mindset for "seeing" the ball as it leaves the pitcher's hand. The small, easy-to-carry book reads less like an instructional manual and more like a journal. It works well for players who are high school age or older. This baseball book also offers mental reminders that the game is more than just a physical sport. The book sells for $16.95 at Barnes & Noble as of January 2010.
  
  

"The Making of a Hitter: A Proven and Practical Step-by-Step Baseball Guide" by Jack Perconte

• Written by a former major league player, this book includes fundamentals, drills and problem solving, but it also teaches how to have fun. Pages of photos illustrate proper techniques. Perconte gives players useful instructions on how to hit, and he guides coaches on how to teach the difficult task of hitting. Final thoughts at the end of each chapter sum up the advice. Barnes & Noble sells this book for $19.95 as of January 2010.
  
  

"The Science of Hitting" by Ted Williams and John Underwood

• The baseball great Ted Williams shares his knowledge and expertise in narrative fashion in the most reviewed and revered book on hitting. The book is chock full of stories and gives advice on how to improve hitting. Illustrations support Williams' teachings on everything from bat placement to hip and wrist action and follow through. As of January 2010, Amazon.com offers this book for $11.52.