Posted by: coachmark (mm@tulsasilverhawks.com) on Thu Apr 28 05:30:00 2005

> Hello!
> My 9 year old is having trouble timing his swing. We worked with him on the mechanics and he seems to have that down. But, when he gets in the game he can not seem to make contact with the ball. I think he is still swinging late. Any suggestions that may help him make contact?
> Angel

Angel,

One thing I use when my players are swinging late is work with them to begin there time step (or with no stride heel drop) as the pitchers hand breaks from the glove and comes to the top. This is a starting point, with 9yr olds the pitching is much slower and maybe with more arch in the pitch. Therefore I would maybe start as the hand comes forward at or just before release.

If you are having him 'load' then I have the players begin with their load at knee lift. I have found that these two cues work well with my hitters and we have been hitting the ball more solid and not swinging late any more.

Mark