Posted by: Coach Hughes () on Fri Aug 8 18:22:56 2003

I purchased the Final Arc video, and am working with my 11 and 13 year-olds on perfecting the swing mechanics. They are running into two major barriers that I just can't seem to get them past: 1) bringing the bat head back toward the catcher to begin circling the top hand around the bottom hand, and 2) pulling through on the front foot instead of "squishing the bug" as they say with the back foot and pushing through. These are perhaps the two most crucial elements of a rotational swing. I've tried practically everything I can think of, but after countless hours of practice time, they are still not executing either one properly. Any tips anyone can pass along for teaching these two techniques properly?

Your first question is easy: nevermind this stuff about bringing the bat towards the catcher! Whoever fabricated this notion did not consult with major league hitters, coaches or for that matter any reputable student of the game. For the second question, remember that squashing the bug is a reaction. Just swing naturally and let the pivot foot do what it will do. Good luck to you.