Baseball Rebellion’s Kory Behenna takes young pitchers through all the movements they should be doing BEFORE they throw.
Baseball Rebellion explains the meaning and importance of step behinds for fielders. In this video, we explain step behinds in three different ways as a part of our 10-20-40 series:
• To a Youth Fielder
• To a College/Pro Fielder
• To a Little League Parent
<meta name="google-site-
How The Hands REALLY Work In The Swing.
A traditional bat grip has two main phases I’d like to discuss here. First, the positions of the knuckles of both hands relative to each other. Second, the amount of extension in the bottom hand specifically while holding the bat in the hitter’s stance. I’m going to explain contact point of many professional players and how different grips help or hurt your ability to get to this position
Knuckle Position: Myths, and Many Chances for Improvement
Many coaches at all levels tell their hitters to ‘line up their door-knocking knuckles’. This is not only incorrect, but it puts many players in an extremely weak position when attempting to turn the bat into the hitting zone. While it is possible to find players who start like this in the Big Leagues, these players rotate their hands during the swing process and no longer have aligned knuckles anywhere near contact. A while back, Tyler Zupcic did a YouTube Video on bat grip, you can check that out below.
Now, one thing I think is important to understand is that video, while mostly correct, should be changed slightly. And while the change will slightly alter the knuckle alignment, it's not really a hand change at all. It's a wrist set change of the bottom hand.
Wrist Sets: Set your hitter up for success by changing their wrists
We know knocking knuckles is just incorrect based on all the information we have now about contact point and positions of power inside of the wrists when hitting. The Box Grip, where you line up the knockers with the punching knuckles is what we have taught for years. And while it is more correct and widely used in the MLB, there may be a better way. Some bats, purposely line up the knocking knuckles, you know the main bat company I'm speaking about. In my opinion, and during testing phases, bats with grips that promote knocking knuckle alignment seemed to actually PREVENT the wrist flexion and supination of the bottom hand wrist that is present in the highest level hitters (don't worry, I’ll write more about that later).
Here are examples of grips we spoke about above:
Door Knockers Grip
The most commonly taught youth grip, puts players in an extremely weak position in their hands and wrists. The door knockers grip also forces a massive wrist extension in the bottom hand in most cases and in turn requires much more movement to get into proper impact position.
Box Grip
The most common pro baseball bat grip, this grip eliminates some of the wrist extension in the bottom hand wrists. The Box Grip also makes it easier to grip the bat to turn it as opposed to pulling the knob forward and snapping the bat into contact.
BR Custom Grip
The BR Custom Grip seems to produce more easily achieved wrist flexion and supination in the bottom hand while hitting. This grip puts the hitter’s hands closer to the positions achieved by the best in the game at contact, reducing the variability and degree of movement needed to get into proper positions at contact.
Dustin Johnson, the number one ranked golfer in the world, has similarly changed his grip to limit the variability at impact and engage stronger wrist stabilization muscles in his swing. Johnson, and many others, believe that using this grip technique helps them with their consistency.
We are trying the same thing with our athletes here at BR and are excited about initial results. Look for updates in the future on our progress in this exciting change and don't be afraid to go away from the door knocking knuckles grip! Try the box or BR Custom grip in your own swings. While they may feel ‘weird’ or ‘different’ at first, I assure you these grips are the best ways to increase your abilities in hitting with as little change as possible. As with anything that’s new and different, there will be somewhat of a learning curve both from the hitters who try it and the coaches who coach this new grip. We at Baseball Rebellion are excited to go on this journey with you so feel free to reach out with questions or successes about how this is going.for you. We’re here for the struggle too, remember that, and never hesitate to email or DM.
Chas--
Get Drills, Articles, Videos, And More Sent Right To Your Inbox!
Did you like this content? Check out some of our Products or Other Articles!
Any great day of hitting starts with great movement work. Eric Tyler gives you a great drill to help you get moving properly before hitting. This will help get your direction and posture in line to start the day.
Get Drills, Articles, Videos, And More Sent Right To Your Inbox!
Did you like this content? Check out some of our Products or Other Articles!
Are you familiar with the different styles of catcher's stances and what each one is good for? Luke Johnson takes you through the most common ones and explains why you should be using them both in practice and in games.
Get Drills, Articles, Videos, And More Sent Right To Your Inbox!
Did you like this content? Check out some of our Products or Other Articles!
Being a good game caller can set apart great catchers from good ones. Luke Johnson gives some simple things that both coaches and players can do to be better at calling games.
Get Drills, Articles, Videos, And More Sent Right To Your Inbox!
Did you like this content? Check out some of our Products or Other Articles!
A great throw to second is so important for catchers. Luke Johnson shows you how you can improve your throw just through footwork. This is great for every catcher, but especially those looking to improve their pop time.
Get Drills, Articles, Videos, And More Sent Right To Your Inbox!
Did you like this content? Check out some of our Products or Other Articles!
Luke Johnson explains how and why to have your catchers do rapid fire training. Use this to make sure you are receiving each pitch properly. Use rapid fire blocking to test how well you get back up after each block in order to get to the ball quickly. This is something every catcher should add to their training regimen.
Get Drills, Articles, Videos, And More Sent Right To Your Inbox!
Did you like this content? Check out some of our Products or Other Articles!
Luke Johnson shows you how to best receive pitches on the corners. If you're already good at receiving strikes, use this to work on receiving pitches on the corners and help you get a few extra strike calls.
Get Drills, Articles, Videos, And More Sent Right To Your Inbox!
Did you like this content? Check out some of our Products or Other Articles!
Garrett Gordon takes you through a net drill that can show your hitters when they are casting their hands away from their body. This is especially great for younger hitters that are still developing the strength to properly preventing casting their hands during their swing.