Posted by: Santo (santo.insalaco@gmail.com) on Sun Jun 25 13:54:05 2006

> > I have been keeping a close eye on the grips that the major leaguers use and I noticed that mine is a little different and was wondering if it was just because they have bigger or hands or not. Simple things like correct grip could play a role in bat speed.
> >
> > I grip the bat with the thumb of my top hand wrapping around between my index and middle finger and I notice most MLB hitters if not all have the thumb resting completley on top of the index finger.
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> Dave,
>
> Just hold the bat with relaxed fingers (loose...don't squeeze too tightly). Don't jam the bat into the palm. Make a note to realize that the grip you have prior to your swing is relaxed pretty much umtil contact. You can't go by what you "think" you see on other ballplayers. I have tons of videos and I don't see what you see when you say, "...most MLB hitters if not all have the thumb resting completley on top of the index finger. Depending on the girth of the bat handle and the size of your hand, you may have your thumb "overlapping" and making contact with the middle finger. Just concentrate on a comfortable grip that will allow you to swing the bat with a fluid swing.
>
> The Grip
>
> By Coach Joe Hernandez
>
> Gripping the bat
> Before the first pitch
> This is where it’s at
> To hit without a glitch
>
> Your hitting will improve
> With the proper grip
> It will create the correct groove
> For a powerful and swift rip
>
> Hold your hands together
> With your palms faced up
> As if holding a birds feather
> Or the neck of a pup
>
>
> Rest the bat handle neatly
> On the base of your fingers
> Keep it open completely
> As both arms in front lingers
>
>
> Now wrap your fingers around the bat
> With middle knuckles in line
> Hold it firm as if to pat
> A birdie wrapped in vine
>
> With the proper grip
> Bat speed will increase
> With the sound of a whip
> Your power will be release
>
> Now get into your stance
> And be prepared to hit
> With eyes fixed as in a trance
> You are now ready and fit
>
> That’s all there is to it
> No big surprise
> You are now ready to hit
> With a bat for your size
>
> Practice this grip
> Until you give it no thought
> You will feel your bat zip
> Now that you are well taught
>
> Joe Hernandez
My 10 year old daughter is playing softball and hits a great line drive but most recently she is popping the ball up. What can I do to correct this?