Posted by: mb () on Tue Jun 17 16:37:49 2003

We have a Hit a Way, but I'm not sure how to have him stand. He steps in the bucket when the ball comes around and he hits it. We have a net set up in the garage that we soft toss and have him hit off the tee. We have a board that he stands on (like a balance beam)that keeps him from striding too far or stepping in the bucket. He hit off live pitching last night, and watching him in practice, it actually looks as though he is dragging his hands instead of being ahead of the ball, thats why he is not hitting the ball hard, he is hitting it either directly even or a little behind him, instead of out in front a little. By the way, he is a lefty, if that makes a difference.
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It is all about technique and practice. First you have to have knowledge of the technique. I trained lots of 7 and 8 yr olds including my sons. My sons continue to have great success. I will post the success stories in a future thread.
The reason he is stepping into the bucket with the Hit Away is because he is not clearing his hips and right shoulder (lefty hitter) If he is stepping in the bucket perhaps swing without striding. Make sure he leads with the hips and then the arms and hands. IMHO the best way to learn is swinging into the heavy bag and holding/checking positions. Once the mechanics are in place progress to the Hit Away. I suggest you purchase the Batspeed Tape.