Posted by: Mike () on Tue Feb 17 09:34:19 2004

I operate a small training facility and work with about 60 to 65 ballplayers. I have rencently run into a fairly serious problem with a couple of local coaches. The problem is they are teaching a few of my students hitting mechanics that are in direct opposition of what I am trying to teach them, which is rotational mechanics. Here is what one coach is teaching one student of mine: He wants him to hold his hands slightly lower then the back shoulder, point the bat toward the catcher and keep the back elbow down. He told him and the other players to not bring the bat up to where it is behind the center of the helment as this will cause a long swing. He also told my student to not cock is wrist(bottom wrist) as I have instructed him to do. He also does not have them generating any torque. The coach wants his hitters to have their front shoulder pointing at the pitcher during the stride. All players are instructed to do it this way and if they don't they have to run. My student has told me that his hitting has suffered tremendously because of this coaching and does not know what to do. MY question is: How do I handle this problem? Do I get involved or do I allow his parents to handle this? I truly believe this is the reason many young talented players never make it to the next level.....Poor coaching.

P.S. This particiular student went to a college tryout back in the fall(before his baseball coach got involved)and was told that he had the best mechanics of all the attendees and some of his own players!