Posted by: The Hitting Guru () on Thu May 20 17:18:46 2004

have a ten year old boy with a very solid rotational swing. last week or so he has developed a hitch (ie he pulls the bat back before beginning his swing)as the pitcher is releasing. His load looks good (slight rotation back toward the catcher) with his shoulders substantially square to the plate. Needless to say, this has slowed the bat's arrival to the hitting zone. Figured I'd ask the board's esteemed participants for any ideas. In advance, thank you.
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> > Here is the way to fix it. Have the kid lower his hands just before the pitcher hits his release point. That way he will not bring his hands back and he will be coser ad therefore quicker to the strike zone. this is what micky mantle did.
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> Hi All,
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> Even if the barrel of the bat arrives late to the hitting zone, if the kid has good bat-speed, balls hit imperfectly with a longer swing will generally travel further than balls hit perfectly with a shorter swing. After all, as Mike Epstein once said, "physics is physics."
>
> Best wishes,
> BHL



In addition to what my fellow participants have added, I would suggest asking him is he aware he is hitching. He may be trying something that he has seen used effectively by another player. If not, I would have him experiment with a lighter bat that is the same length. Or, I would have him hit with an open stance which might allow him to see the pitch better. Video taping his swing might help as well to help him see what him he is doing. Good Luck!