Expert: Willie Ansley Jr. - 6/24/2010

Question
My 9 year old moved up to 9-12's this year. He's always been one of the better players on his team. This year, his batting is really struggling. I think its normal for most 9 year olds to struggle when the move up, but we have one 9 year old that's been hitting from the start of the season. My son is starting to get frustrated. I keep telling him to keep at it and it will come. But now I think its getting in his head. I can't figure out what I'm missing. He's a lefty, and last year had a tendency to move his back foot back a little to keep from pulling it to the first base line. I've worked with him keeping his feet even so he won't be behind on the pitches. I also noticed his bat is over his left shoulder (perpendicular to his back)and when he gets ready to swing the barrel dips down which creates an over the top downward motion towards the ball. When he does make contact he typically drives the ball into home plate or into the dirt directly in front of home plate. I don't know what to do. Have you seen this before and any words of wisdom?

Answer
I would just say to not compare your son with the other kids because they are all different.As far as his back foot moving I would say get a tire and put his foot in it and this will force him to keep his back foot still are with less movement.As far as the bat.Have him hit with the tee at chest height If he drops the bat below the ball he will hit the tee.This will force him to get the barrel up in order to hit a line drive. YOu want him to hit the ball on a line off the tee not on the ground or up in the air.