Posted by: Chris (chyounts@wtxcoxmail.com) on Tue Feb 17 11:42:24 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.
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> > 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!
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> Video taping the students swing and MLB players, with good analysis will go a long way in fixing this issue. Additionally, the coaches who teach these mechanics should have enough credability to execute them themselves.
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> When hitting instruction takes on the form of disciplining those who don't conform, then the coach has crossed the line of all mental aspects of good hitting. This coach is searching for answers and taking it out on the kids when he doesn't find them. I'd pull my kid out immediately. I would rather see kids rewarded for trying something new, than disciplined for not doing something.
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> Bottom line, be in charge and don't let anyone compromise your good judgement. Good luck!!
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> Coach C


I have had the same battles with my son's high school coaches.The problem is we get a new one every year so they can't go by your production the previous year.So same "proving yourself over and over.Had one coach at batting practice watch my son hit 8 out of 15 hits over the fence his comment"you'd be a pretty good hitter if you'd stop uppercutting and hit ground balls".What????????I've been told Major leaguers can get away with swinging that way because they are Major leaguers. MY answer to them has always been "Maybe they are major leaguers BECAUSE they swing that way.Something to think about.