Expert: John Priest - 1/14/2009

Question
Hey John,

My son is 11 yrs. old.  He seems to have multiple problems with his hitting.  I've never played baseball in my life, so it is hard for me to fix whatever is wrong with his swing.  I've gotten him a lighter bat thinking that maybe the bat he was using was to heavy, but nothing changed.  Anyway, these are some of the things I have noticed though.

1. His body seems to open up to early during his swing. (it sometime seems he is peering over his shoulder to see the ball on contact)

2. His arms come around late. (not sure if it's because the body opens up to early)

3. He seems to be picking up the ball late in it's delivery.

4. He doesn't seem to have good bat speed as he comes around.

Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott

Answer
Scott,

Question 1:
Make sure his front foot stays closed with a firm front side and his head remains still tracking the baseball with his eyes.  Also make sure his swing comes from his hips not his hands.  This will keep his front side in longer and he won't open up too early.
Question 2:
You do want the arms to come through last but you want it to be one fluid motion starting with the rotation of the back knee, hip, and shoulder.  These body parts make up the axis of rotation.  After they rotate the axis should be vertical and the hands and arms should rotate around it to the baseball.
Question 3:
Bat speed will come as he gets stronger and remains flexible.  Make sure he is hitting with a rotational style of mechanics.  It sounds like your son swings with his arms with will not produce fast bat speed.  The rotational mechanics will allow you to utilize your entire body giving you more bat speed and power.  

Let me know if I can help with anything else.
Thank You,
John Priest