Posted by: Joe A. () on Tue Jul 3 13:23:27 2001

Mr. A: I get the impression that you are one of the heavyweights at this site, and I would like to get your advice. My son is 4 years old right now. Next spring I will be enrolling him in T-ball. He already knows how to swing the bat and make contact with short tosses. However, before he gets too far along, I would like to make some decisions, and then stick with them. # 1 should I teach him to be rotational or weightshift? # 2 should I teach him to be stride or no-stride? # 3 I don't clearly understand what top hand torque and bottom hand torque is. In your own words could you please explain it to me in layman's terms? # 4 Who would be the best major leaguer for him to emulate? # 5 Besides yourself, who would be the best person to seek advice from at this site? I know you are busy running this website, not to mention probably all of the coaching you do, but if you could help me get my son started on the right track I would be extremely grateful. Thank you, sir

Herman,

The kid is four years old. Don't forget this is a game. Its supposed to be fun. If it is not fun for the kids it will never be serious for the kids.

Let the kid go out and "play" at baseball learn to enjoy being out there. There is plenty of time to learn about torque and the other stuff you mentioned.

If you are too serious about this you will scare the kid away.

Joe A.