Batting - Final points

Front Side (Awareness)

Much of our training emphasis is on straight lines and driving forward with the Legs and Elbow (aspects of the swing that many young players fall short of maximizing).

We want to maintain awareness of the effort of the Front Leg during the Switch Heels action. The Front Leg applies equal force, back, during this initial action in the swing, as the back leg applies force forward.

If a batter is having trouble with their front leg ‘collapsing’ during the swing, there a few things we can do to correct this common flaw:

  • Switch Heels Drill — extra reps, focusing on applying equal force with the front leg

  • Anchor — We talk about the forward Knee Drive of the back leg (first aspect of Anchor). We want to be sure the forward effort of the Anchor also includes Downward force against the back knee.

  • Head Behind the Ball (awareness during the swing) — The ball is contacted even with the front foot. The Head remains in place (centered between the feet) during the swing. The Head is Behind the Ball at contact.

  • Head Over Back Knee (awareness following the swing) - the movement created by the Knee Drive works independent of the Head. The Head remains in place, while the Knee drives forward finishing below the Head.

  • Heel-Elbow (new focus point) — this can be a focus during ‘No Bat’ drills or Tee Work. Batter focuses on driving the front Heel back, and the back Elbow forward and towards the belt. Drive the Heel and Elbow ‘together’ (towards each other - towards Center). This action puts emphasis on the Front Side, while maintaining the drive of the Elbow for power and proper sequence of the swing.

  • Feet in Place — Balance at the conclusion of the swing

Important: while applying these fixes, we want our batters to continue working at full speed. The muscles need to work at full speed during a competitive swing, so we want to practice the swing at full speed.

Just because we identify this flaw (collapsing of the front leg), and communicate it to a player, doesn’t mean they will fix it in one day. It takes time to train any desired muscle action. Be supportive, encouraging …and patient; they will get it.