Posted by: Louy Louy () on Wed Aug 4 15:29:43 2004

My nine-year-old son has already surpassed my own baseball abilities, and I am now somewhat at a loss as to how to coach him. Are there two or three key things I should always be on the lookout for in his swing? I hear other Dads making reference to hand position, the shoulder, the head, etc., but I'm clueless as to what to look for. Easy stuff like stepping in the bucket I can pick up on; beyond that, I'm not sure what I should be looking for. Thanks for your help.
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> You should be on the lookout for hard consistent contact. As long as he is making hard consistent contact he is on his way to success. There are different approaches to achieving success. One key is does he get to the launch position (keeping his hands back). Even if a hitter bails, the ability to stay in the launch position will enable him to still hit. Another key is to watch to see if he keeps his head down as he tracks the incoming pitch. Hitters (Tony Bautista) who bail can still have success (and hit for homerun power) if they watch the ball all the way. Don't forget to have him work on his defense. The DH may not always be a part of the big leagues. In addition, great defense can keep a player in the lineup even if he is in a slump. Keep in mind that many games are determined by defensive play (especially involving second base, shortstop, centerfield, and behind the plate). Good Luck.

The most important thing you should be looking for is if your son is enjoying the game. Too many fathers transmit a overly important attitude about the game. Remember 9 years old is very young. And with all due respect, you are comparing your son’s ability to your own and writing to a discussion board on line for advice to improve his hitting. So he is already good and you want to work on making him better. I would look at this very seriously.

Your son will never take the game seriously until its fun. Take out the fun now and he wont playing when he’s 15. It’s a game.

Louy Louy