Plus Rob answers the Question of the Week (35:18) about how to teach timing when hitting live hitting for 7-10 year olds.
In this 39-minute episode, you'll learn:
- when do the hips start during the swing—and which hip (2:10)
- whether the swing should be parallel to the ground or parallel to the pitch (3:29)
- what else to watch for after heel plant, and two main areas that lead to incorrect moves at heel plant (4:23)
- whether an unbalanced stance is automatically a problem (5:34)
- which body part is most responsible for power (7:04)
- why the front leg should not be the driver for the stride—and what should be instead (9:28)
- three back leg drills to try and one to avoid (12:17)
- one balance drill that can be adapted for different age groups (14:20)
- what is the proper swing path (17:24)
- when should the hands start their move to palm up/palm down, and how to make the bat feel lighter (19:46)
- one drill to help beginner hitters who do not have the correct swing path, and where to make contact with the pitch (21:14)
- one common flaw that causes hitters to consistently be late (23:55)
- whether teaching kids to keep their heads down is a good cue (25:06)
- how to help kids adjust to pitches on the inside/outside edges of the plate (26:39)
- what is a proper two-strike approach (29:39)
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
- Doug on how to tell if a swing is good or not
- Doug's Figure 4 drill
- Doug's Skater Hop drill
- Doug's Slinky drill
- Doug's Exercise Bar Balance drill
- Doug on how to help kids with swing direction
- Doug's 9-Ball drill
- Doug on the absolutes of a good swing
- A video on How to Teach Timing to Young Baseball Hitters that summarizes (in 30-seconds) Rob's answer for the Question Of The Week
- Undoctored: Why Health Care Has Failed You and How You Can Become Smarter Than Your Doctor book (support YBE with this affiliate link; no extra cost to you)
- Have a question for Rob? Ask Rob
- The 80/20 Rule as it relates to youth baseball practice organization and planning
- Support YBE
Right-click on this link and 'Save as...' to download this episode.
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