Good stuff in general, but #4 threw me a bit. I’m assuming when you sa no knocking knuckles, you mean as a grip, as you need to be palm up, palm down at contact. The one that threw me is death gripping the top hand. For me, I teach it loose, to allow the barrel to tip and and hands to slot.Almost everything you will read, watch or hear about hitting is wrong.
1. Stride on every. single. pitch(start when the pitcher releases the ball). Randomly hold a ball and see if they moved. This is the #1 flaw at this age. Vigorously enforce this.
2. Hit the ball over the pitcher's head, or over the L screen - not into it, or on the ground in the infield. Zero degree launch angle is a path to mediocrity.
3. Pull the elbow back like a bow as you stride, and land on a very bent knee with a flat rear forearm. (most kids have already dropped their back elbow at toe touch) (this will fix some bat drag, and some lunging)
3. Do NOT use door knocking knuckles. Do NOT squish the bug. Do not have a loose top hand - yes you want a death grip on it. Don't choke up - most kids need bat length because they bat drag.
Good stuff in general,
1. but #4 threw me a bit. I’m assuming when you sa no knocking knuckles, you mean as a grip, as you need to be palm up, palm down at contact.
2. The one that threw me is death gripping the top hand. For me, I teach it loose, to allow the barrel to tip and and hands to slot.
This is probably my most effective quick que that I give a hitter that is having trouble in the box. "Squeeze the handle hard" tightens up the swing, the body, and resolves a lot of problems unintentionally. A lot of times there are still a ton of things to work on when you get to practice but a weak wrist and grip is the very first thing I try to correct.A firm grip that allows wrist mobility. No choking the bat. On that note make sure they’re at the right length if they do need to choke up. As well as high tee ask for line drives
I taught my 8 yr old to hit out of a 45
have fun teaching that to an 8 year old that has never picked up a bat before.Almost everything you will read, watch or hear about hitting is wrong.
1. Stride on every. single. pitch(start when the pitcher releases the ball). Randomly hold a ball and see if they moved. This is the #1 flaw at this age. Vigorously enforce this.
2. Hit the ball over the pitcher's head, or over the L screen - not into it, or on the ground in the infield. Zero degree launch angle is a path to mediocrity.
3. Pull the elbow back like a bow as you stride, and land on a very bent knee with a flat rear forearm. (most kids have already dropped their back elbow at toe touch) (this will fix some bat drag, and some lunging)
3. Do NOT use door knocking knuckles. Do NOT squish the bug. Do not have a loose top hand - yes you want a death grip on it. Don't choke up - most kids need bat length because they bat drag.
I'm teaching you, not the kid. But seriously, YOU can teach/enforce #1, YOU can tell them to try to hit the ball over the L screen, and YOU can tell them not to listen to anyone that wants them to squish the bug or use door knocking knuckles. He/she may not get it right away, but you can lead the way to glory.have fun teaching that to an 8 year old that has never picked up a bat before.
For this, I suggest taking them to church.I'm teaching you, not the kid. But seriously, YOU can teach/enforce #1, YOU can tell them to try to hit the ball over the L screen, and YOU can tell them not to listen to anyone that wants them to squish the bug or use door knocking knuckles. He/she may not get it right away, but you can lead the way to glory.