One of the biggest problems when trying to create a good practice environment for youth players is keeping them focused for the entirety of the practice time. One of the best ways to help keep your youth players interested and focused is to implement some fun and basic drills. We’ll take a look at three drills youth players can do to help their bat path, rhythm, and power at the plate, while having fun and staying focused.
Written By: JK Whited
Coaches and Parents: Learn What You Need To Be Looking For In Your Hitter's Swing
Evaluating Hitters
When evaluating hitters what are you looking for? Do you even know what is important or vital for hitters to be doing? We want to help make it easier for you to breakdown your hitter's swings. There are certain mechanics that are a MUST when it comes to being an elite hitter. We're here to show you what those are.
By now you guys know me and have a pretty good handle on how I explain ideas and concepts at Baseball Rebellion Headquarters or here in my articles.
I'm a huge analogy guy. The reason for this is because I really enjoy simplifying movements to their core and getting rid of the grey area. For players of all ages but especially younger players, analogies do a great job of cleaning things up inside their heads.
The Important vs. Vital Analogy For Hitters
The important vs. vital concept is no different than anything else. Like the human body, there are parts of us that are vital to our health and therefore living. These things are measured as "vitals" in the medical world.
The four main ones are body temperature, heart rate or pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Anything other than those four vitals would be listed as important.
In hitting, vitals are concepts or movements that can not be compensated for. Without them, players can "stay alive" in baseball but will ultimately not last.
Important aspects of the swing are things that are nice to have and can really help, but are necessities to be great long term.
I'm sure at this point you're wondering how this relates to hitting. Well, here it goes.
NOTE: All GIF's are courtesy of and credited to Craig Hyatt (@HyattCraig)
Important Mechanics To Look For When Evaluating Hitters
Now don't' get me wrong here. We teach footwork until it's really good but you can find tons of examples in the big leagues of guys doing all sorts of things with their feet in games.
Strong Positioning
It's important to have a solid base of footwork but at the end of the day, if the bat is fast and going up pitch plane, you'll do damage. Proper footwork will, however, allow hitters to get the most out of what their hips are trying to do. Proper footwork can help you maintain a strong balance throughout your stride and your swing.
Trea Turner 1b. pic.twitter.com/82V6bGDROI
— Craig Hyatt (@HyattCraig) October 8, 2019
Vital Mechanics To Look For When Evaluating Hitters
Nothing new here. If the player does not want to do damage mentally and emotionally at the plate, no mechanical fixes will matter. They MUST shed any fear or doubt before mechanical adjustments can really help them in games. Intent starts at practice and reveals itself in games.
Javier Báez HR #27 pic.twitter.com/ycWI6kn02G
— Craig Hyatt (@HyattCraig) August 24, 2018
Key Takeaways When Evaluating Hitters
The key thing to take away from this is that "vitals" should not be compensated for what might be only "important". For example, if your back foot is moving so far that it changes your angles/posture than eliminate your back foot move or lessen it. If you like your stance but cannot load your body properly, change your stance and make it easier to prepare. If trying to have "perfect footwork" keeps you from being explosive then stop worrying about being perfect and smash the ball!
Understand what is vital and what is important and it can really clarify your thoughts when you might be struggling to find answers.
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How To Hit Off A Tee
Many little league coaches and parents love coaching and working with kids, but don’t have a ton of experience teaching hitting. This article points out the key points that will help your young players who are beginning their journey in baseball or softball. It is super important that every player has a solid base and a good turn so that they can develop properly and have more fun in the sport!
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Hitting | Hitting Mechanics | JK Whited | Leg Kick | Load | Player Development | Pre-Season | Stride