Posted by: Marc () on Wed Oct 4 13:04:33 2006

> > > > My son is 11 and we have used your videos and drills but he seems to always be "out in front" of the ball and hits a lot of weak ground balls to third and short.He always makes contact and strikes out about once a year but is having trouble making solid contact for some reason. He seems to rotate to soon with the lower body and is unable to stay back on the ball. Any suggestions?
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> > > Hi James
> > >
> > > Chances are that his front hip is flying open too soon or his front shoulder may also be opening too soon. Both of these will cause weak out front ground balls. When he strides the first movement should be toward the pitcher and not towards 3rd base (assuming rh batter). This should help him delay his hips flying open.
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> > > Dave
> >
> > Thanks for the suggestions. Actually he does not step towards third at all. If anything he steps to soon but I am having a hard time conveying to him how to stay back and wait on the ball.
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> > James
>
> Hi JAmes
>
> Check to see if your son takes astride and then swings or does he stride and swing at the same time. If he is swinging while taking a stride he will alsways be early. As you take a stride the hands are loading to the launch position not going forward. Check this and get back to me.
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> Dave

Have him point his front shoulder at the ball and keep it there as long as possible. At the last possible moment he should explode on the ball as it arrives....

Hope this helps.