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Trouble
shooting
Failure to reach a good launch position In order to fix this problem, it is essential that everyone understands the concept of a launch position. When a hitter digs in the box and gets ready for the pitch he is in his "stance." The batter should assume his launch position once the pitcher winds up and is about to release the ball. This position allows the hitter to "launch" his swing. Let's compare this position to that of a boxer. As a boxer dances around the ring, he maintains his "stance." When he is ready to throw a punch he will take a step and draw his hand back into position to throw a punch, which is his "launch" position. Could you imagine a boxer trying to knock someone out without loading up to punch? It is essential that hitters establish a launch position that is strong and balanced. As the pitcher winds up and is about to release the ball the batter should take a short, soft, stride forward with his lead foot. Meanwhile his hands go straight back anywhere from 3-5 inches. He should keep his wait on his back leg. This is the launch position. A good "launch" position should allow a hitter to keep his weight back properly, and to "load" energy that when released during his swing, will increase his ability to drive the ball. Many hitters never reach a good "launch" position and their swing is doomed to fail right from the start. Some of the problems are:
How do you correct this problem? Mirror Drill - In front of a mirror, repeat the stride and load motions as mentioned above. Perform several repetitions, making sure to stride without your weight coming forward, and with your hands getting back 3-5 inches. Your front foot should land on the inside palm of your foot. Stride and load soft toss - Soft toss either from the side or the front, but do not allow the feeder to toss the ball until you stride and load. The ball should be fed only after you have demonstrated a successful stride/load and have held the final position for a moment. Pole Drill - With an old wiffleball bat get into your "stance" facing a pole. Stride and load into your "launch" position and hold that position for 3 seconds. Check yourself to make sure your weight is back and your hands are loaded into a strong position. Next take your swing and hit the pole. You should hit the pole in a normal contact position as if it was a baseball. You can put tape on the pole at different heights to simulate the height of different pitches. Make sure that in your stance the pole is even with your front foot. The mirror drill and the pole drill allow you to work on this skill without needing a ball or anyone else to help you. Stay tuned for more . . .
[Official Little League Rules & Regulations] [Parents] [Players/Kids]
Learn How to: Copyright © 2000 Brookside Little League, Inc. All rights reserved Brookside Little League, Inc. Indianapolis, In
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Weight comes forward to much, hitter dives in.
