Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Wed Dec 8 00:32:43 2004

>>> I was looking at some pro swing clips today. I noticed that most of the pro's take a small step tward the plate with there rear foot after the swing. My point is that maby what my son is doing is not a bad thing. Any input out there?? <<<

Hi Jim

The pro’s you saw that took a small step toward the plate may have been swinging at outside pitches. Taking the hands out in a wider path can cause this step. Regardless, I would recommend having your son work with swing mechanics that allow him to stay balanced after the swing.

I normally find batters with the problem you describe have their body tilted to far forward during the swing. Also, batters who rely to heavily on the back-side to swing the bat exhibit the problem. I would recommend having your son practice keeping his weight back a little more and getting the lead-side more involved in the swing. – Have him think about getting the lead-shoulder to rotate back toward the catcher at contact.

Jack Mankin