Posted by: Teacherman () on Fri Nov 1 07:21:25 2002

Hi folks,
> > >
> > > I've posted many times on eTeamz about my 8-yr old son's swing. Specifically, he seems to hit a brick wall at impact.
> > >
> > > I've received lots of good feedback, albeit sometimes confusing (often due to rotational vs. linear neverending debate).
> > >
> > > However, the latest advice I'm receiving is that my son is starting his swing w/ his shoulders instead of his hips. If this is true, what drills can I have him do to overcome this?
> > >
> > > He makes decent contact for his age/size and has very good hand/eye coordination. But if he can't drive through the ball, he'll miss a lot of opportunity, IMO.
> > >
> > > So... open-ended request for your critique of what he should change? (call me an information glutton) :)
> > >
> > > I'm already planning to keep working on:
> > > - lower his hands in his stance (they're lower than they used to be, but still working on it)
> > > - take a more pronounced inward turn (feel like he's gathering power, i.e. like he's readying a punch)
> > > - keep his stride short (he drifts as he tires). On this particular day (Sunday), he had hit about 50 balls.
> > > - follow-through all the way, w/o falling back (notice his back foot fall back towards heel and the bat lose its path after impact)
> > >
> > > Thanks in advance,
> > > Sandman
> > >
> > > Here's the link to a 2.5mb QuickTime video:
> > > http://members.cox.net/ksanda/Kevin%20-%207%20swings%20(reduced%20size).mov
> > >
> > > P.S.
> > > We had our machine set at 42mph, as we're not working on timing, but mechanics. Besides, most kids in his Minor league division only pitch in the mid-40s. Next spring, we'll work him up to timing 50mph or so. Remember, he just turned 8 in July. ;-)
> > Hey Sandman
> > looking at your sons swing frame by frame it looks like he is using his arms to swing the bat which is causing a straight hand path and a casting swing. Make sure his lead arm stays tucked to his chest throughout the swing, and use your shoulders to swing the bat instead of your arms, so that he will get all of his body's rotational energy into the swing. It will take a while to get used to it, but it is a must.
> > The Hitman
>
> Thanks for the feedback Hitman,
>
> I'm hearing common sentiment about the casting. Do you think the fact that his back elbow doesn't seem to stay on his hip as long as I see many others is letting his front arm cast like that? I mean, I can direct him to "try to concentrate on keeping your left elbow bent and pointed to the ground", but would it be easier to tell him to "make sure your right elbow stays on your hip almost until impact", which thereby wouldn't allow his left arm to drift?
>
> Thanks again,
> Sandman

Keeping the back elbow at the back hip is good but he may find it difficult to do and still hit the ball if he's not rotating properly. Make sure the rotation is driving the bat to the zone.

Teacherman