Posted by: Drew's Dad (shadow6@charter.net) on Mon Apr 12 20:45:37 2004

My 7 year old played machine pitch last year, coach pitch in the fall, & we have our 3rd game tomorrow nite of machine pitch this year. He is 4'2" tall & weighs a solid 65 lbs. He is the fastest in his class & on his last 2 ball teams. Drew hit well last year, struck out often in coach pitch(swings at everything,also most homeruns on his team) and is 0-4 this year w/ pitches at about 35 mph. 3 swings, 3 strikes. Only 2 tip balls so far. He cries going to sleep about it & cries when he wakes up about it. I have a pitching machine, tee, ultimate tee & net to use at home. We go to the batting cage & use the machine 2-5 times a week. He wants to go practice most of the time. We leave when he wants to. Usually after 50-75 pitches. He has a good rotating swing and stance. When he hits it, it usually is over 3rd or shortstop. He is hitting the ball 140-150 feet in the air & rolls them to the fence & rattles it. Just crushes it for a 7 year old. He has had some great players & coaches get him started so much of hitting is correct. But... in the game, the hands drop, big stride & swing for the fence right under the ball. Head high, in the dirt, out , in. 3 strikes. Batting practice produces few grounders or right field field hits. He's discouraged, I'm discouraged, Why can't I make him understand to swing level or down? We have done the 2 tee drill countless times. I hope this Ultimate tee will help prove to him how he needs to swing level. I don't know what else to do. His eyesight is okay too. He really wants to hit better.
Thank you for your help & encouragement.
Andrew & Drew