Posted by: hunter (mhunter@yhti.net) on Sat Mar 31 07:30:13 2007

> > > "My son (9 years old) is leaning backwards toward the catcher (not away from the plate) too much, causing too many pop ups and fly balls. What fix or cue words are used to fix this problem?"
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> Watch his front foot. I am guessing he is taking too big a stride and opeining the front foot. When this happens the body tends to lean back to regain ballance; thus poping up. Even if he is making contact, he is not maximizing his force potential. Try having him practice shortening his stride to no more than twice shoulder width. When working on his step (front foot stride) it will become a habit. Then the cue words can be "step & drive".
>The stride is not the problem. I am a new rotational convert, but the kid has always been drilled to take a short stride. I understand the rotational philosophies, but not the troubleshooting areas. I think that the problems may lie in not putting enough weight on the front foot on the stride and/or straightening the lead leg too soon.