Expert: John Priest - 3/4/2008

Question
My son is 11 years old and a pretty solid hitter. He was picked for travel baseball this season. My question is he has pretty decent mechanics but tends to roll his right heel over when he swings. I know this foot should be laces down with the leg in the power "L" position. Also he likes to lift his left foot up while striding forward instead of say a toe tap. Does it matter? I watch the pro's and they have pretty standard swings?

Answer
Scott,
         Rolling the right foot over could be a balance problem or a front foot problem.  Make sure that he gets a good load and doesn't move forward when he steps.  If the front foot is too heavy he may lose balance on the backside and start to roll the foot.  During contact the body should be in balance through the center.  He needs to be able to create an axis from his head, right shoulder, right hip, to his right knee.  If this axis is vertical with no forward movement toward the pitcher he will be able to rotate at a higher rate of speed, and transfer this speed into his swing.  If the back foot rolls I can see him maintaining a stationary vertical axis with his back side resulting in a slower swing speed.  Also make sure the balance stays on the balls of the feet throughout the stance to the finish.  He is most likely going to his back heel when he rolls the foot over to maintain his balance.
         The problem could be with the front foot.  Taking a big step or small step doesn't matter.  As long as he is comfortable, gets it down in time, and has good balance it is o.k.  I prefer players to take a small step with little or no ground gained toward the pitcher.  The smaller step creates a smaller range of error.  If the big step is heavy, long, or making the body move toward the pitcher this could create the axis of rotation to be less vertical.  If the axis is tilted The swing will be off line.  You want the hands to rotate around the body.  Depending on what direction the axis is going the hands could be doing too much upper cut or too much downward swing.  The swing should be a very slight uppercut and with a ventricle axis the hand will stay on the right track.
         Take a look at his front leg when he swings.  Make sure it is firm but not locked out extended, you do want a slight bend.  If the front side becomes loose he may be over rotating causing the back foot to roll.  
         Overall make sure your son has good balance with the step, good balance from front to back at contact, good balance on the balls of his feet, a firm front side, and a good axis of rotation.  Does your son hit the ball to the pull side usually?  The players that I have seen that roll the back foot over usually are pull hitters.  Have him concentrate on going opposite side this will help him stay on the ball promoting good balance, and rotation with a firm front side.  Going the opposite way will also make him a better hitter in other areas as well.

Hope this helps.
John Priest
Nokona Batman