Posted by: ted williams (vhami17171@aol.com) on Sat Jun 12 13:30:21 2010

> Ok. My son is almost 8 and is tall and skinny, bout 62lbs and about 4ft 2. He has been swingin a 29in 19oz bat for bout a year and I had him choke up the width of a roll of bat tape the first year and then this year had him only choke up half the width of a roll of tape. Basically, 2in last year and 1in this year. And he has been very sucessful and hit everything hard and out front to his middle or pull side. Well I wanted to get him a good bat when he made the allstar team again this year. And I bout a 30in 17oz demirini voodoo. And he has been late ever since, I added the tape back both 2in. And 1in for him to choke up. But still is late, his mechanics are not as consistant either. I can't figure out if he's late or just waitin to long to get started, I believe he aint starting soon enough, but I have worried about this a lot because he was never late til I changed bats. I consider myself a very knowledgeable hittin coach, I have been a hittin coach at the high school and american legion level for over ten years, but I am still knew to the yoiuth level and aint sure if its the bat or mechanics, he looks great on the tee, but is late on soft toss or the machine. HELP!!!

He's frustrated and anxious, he must learn to relax more at the plate and a more relaxed grip on the bat. have him wiggle his finger on the bat while waiting for the pitch.also during batting practice, use less time between pitches so he doesn't get froze in his stance. the tighter the grip the less reaction time. also the bat is for a 10 year old.suggested bat size 28 or 29" 17 oz. this should help. the hitting guru.