At what age should elite hitting mechanics be taught to young batters?

[Tewks]

Once the pattern is felt, you go by feel then worry about actually hitting and not just swinging. Same pattern should be taught. Acknowledge style variations.

 

[SoCalSoftballdad]

Once the pattern is felt, you go by feel then worry about actually hitting and not just swinging. Same pattern should be taught. Acknowledge style variations.

Thanks Tewks. What exactly do you mean by "pattern"? Specifically, I normally teach my players that the "hips before hands" and that the hips should be open (belly button towards the pitcher) by the time they reach point of contact? An instructor told me that emphasizing open hips at POC could cause other problems in the swing mechanics and should not be overly concerned right now with this hip rotation?

Just trying to reconcile that above statement with video of the best players in softball (and baseball) who seem to really use the hips to generate maximum power.

 

[GOINGDEEP]

At what age should elite hitting mechanics be taught to young batters?

I'd say soon as they leave the cradle.