Posted by: Major Dan (markj89@charter.net) on Thu Oct 18 08:48:40 2001

I coach girls softball and I'am seeing a similiar problem with swing mechanics with some of my players. At the initation of the swing they drop their hands to about waist level and pull the bat through the zone. I can recognize the problem but I'am unsure what the best way to correct the problem is. Should I start from scratch with these players swings. (hitting off tee, one handed drills) OR just start with the hands down.
>
> Hey Gary
> The best advice I can give you is for you to tell them to keep there lead arm parralel to the ground, so that the lead arm stays level and doesnt dip, so the front arm should stay about shoulder high and remain paralel to the ground
> Jeff

Without video, I can only guess, but I've seen swings on my daughter's softball teams that sounds like what you are describing. The elbow of the top hand arm should tuck against the ribs. It should also remain bent. One of the differences between linear and rotational hitting is that linear hitters push the top hand arm forward - extending the arm/bending the elbow by pushing the top hand toward the ball. Rotational hitters tuck the elbow against the ribs and turn into the ball.
I've seen swings where the elbow tucks against the ribs AND the top and elbow extends (downward) - effectively dropping the hands to the waist. Then the body is turned into the ball.
Is that what is happening?