Late Swing

Question
Soft toss my son hits great . In the live game he is late on everything . Sometimes with decent power some with not . He is only 7 but i really want to help to make the game more enjoyable for him. Any advice will really help . Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Calvin,

improving bat speed requires practice, strength training and patience.  Make sure your son has the correct bat for his age and strength.  Use wiffle balls to practice with your son - on a tee and with you pitching.  Start with a lighter bat to see how he hits the wiffle ball - if he makes good contact and his swing looks like he is in control - then you'll know the bat selection is ok.

Practice, practice, practice.  You don't want your 7 year old to be overdoing it by lifting weights like body builders but you do want him to gain strength.  Have him squeeze a deflated tennis ball, help with carrying things around the house, have him do curls with his favourite bat (not in the living room).

To swing that bat with confidence, control and strength, some coaches use large volleyballs in batting practice - the batter has to hit this large ball hard and solid - eventually the strength will come.  

Watch his batting stance and make sure his grip is correct. His fingers should curl around the bat starting with the ends of the fingers and curl the bat into the palm.  

Cal Ripken Sr. on batting (some of this you can use):
"Select a bat you can handle.

Learn the strike zone - don't swing at bad pitches.

Keep your front shoulder and chin tucked in, and your hands back. Turn your head so that both eyes are on the pitcher - don't look around your nose. Stay on the balls of your feet - keep off your heels.

Keep your head still.

In order to get the bat started, move your hands back slightly as the pitcher is getting ready to release the ball. If you like the pitch, go ahead and hit it. If you don't like the pitch, then hold up your swing.

Take a short step and stride - a long stride will only throw you off balance.

Stay on top of the ball. A slight downward swing allows this and is a good way to keep from upper-cutting. Keeping the front shoulder in and down also allows a hitter to get the bat head out in front and prevents dropping the back shoulder.

Learn to hit your strength. Every hitter has a strength just as every hitter has a weakness. Hit your pitch. When you get it, don't let it get away. Concentrate on solid, hard contact."

Best of luck,
JohnMc