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Batting Stance
Another fundamental baseball skill is hitting. This is often the most exciting and fun baseball activity for kids but can also be the most frustrating one for the kids. Much like a human signature, no two batting stances are exactly alike. In the pre-pitch portion of the swing, there is no single approach that will guarantee success. However, there are ways to maximize the player's comfort in the box and improve their timing both of which are foundational building blocks to develop an elite swing.
ℹ️ When teaching hitting, remember:
- Safety first. Keep the group sizes small. Ask parents for help. If the players have a bat in their hands, they must have a helmet on their head.
- Simple explanations from coaches gives more time for reps for the players
- A tee is one of the best tools to learn how to hit
- Use competitions to keep the kids not hitting involved in the drill
Players tend to believe the first, last and most fun thing that they did. Consider this when planning your practice plan and scheduling hitting.
The "Between the Two" Drill
The "Between the Two" drill is designed to be interactive and intuitive, allowing players to discover the most effective batting stance by feeling it out for themselves. This method of teaching is not only engaging but also ensures that the players retain the information better because they are actively involved in the learning process. See the video below for a demonstration.
Variation 1: Hand Positioning
Start with hand positioning. Show players the extremes: hold your hands too high above your shoulder, then too low, near your waist. Ask your players, "Where should my hands be?" Encourage them to think about the position that feels most natural and powerful. The answer, of course, is "between the two," where the bat is slight above the back shoulder.
Variation 2: Forward and Backward Hand Movement
Next, address the depth of the hands. Extend your hands too far forward, then pull them too far back. Again, ask the players to identify the ideal position. Through this exercise, they'll learn that the hands should be positioned not too far forward.
Variation 3: Knee Bend
The lower half is the next focus. Demonstrate a stance with knees bent too much, akin to a squat, and then a stance with hardly any bend. Query your players once more: "How should our knees be?" They'll find that a moderate bend in the knees is key.
Variation 4: Feet Width
Next, we'll work on the feet place. Standing with the feet too close, then too far apart. "How far apart should my feet be?" They'll find the most comfortable position for them is somewhere near shoulder width apart.
Variation 5: Distance from the Plate
Lastly, tackle the distance from the plate. Stand too close, then too far, and have the players observe. Ask them where they think the ideal position is. This part of the drill helps players understand the importance of being neither too close nor too far from the plate.
ℹ️ Key points:
- Feet slightly wider than shoulder width
- Hands stay back near the back ear and shoulder
- Both hands are together on the bat
Players tend to believe the first, last and most fun thing that they did. Consider this when planning your practice plan and scheduling hitting.
More Reps for Muscle Memory
Encourage your players to practice this drill regularly, and remind them that every player's "Between the two" might be slightly different based on their body size and comfort. This drill is a simple yet powerful tool that makes learning interactive and fun.
To help explore how to create a safe, fun engaging and movement based practice, keep looking for updates on the Coach's Clipboard or use one of the links below.
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