| Many young batters have a tendency to step their front foot back when hitting, which pulls them off of the ball. If they still do manage to make contact, the tend to hit many weak dribblers off the end of the bat. The batter also becomes vulnerableto the outside pitch, since he can no longer reach the far side of the plate!
Bat on the ground
There are a couple of ways to work on this. First, try placing a bat directly behind the hitter’s feet once he has stepped into the box. If he steps back when swinging, he will hit the bat, and have instant negative feedback. Do be aware that, depending on how bad the batter’s problem is, he can actually step onto the bat, and it is possible for him to fall.
Usually, the bat on the ground will corect the problem, and the player will stop stepping out. However, it can persist.
Hold on, coach!
If the bat doesn’t do the trick, have a coach lie on the ground directly behind the batter and hold the player’s ankles firmly. This way, it is impossible for the batter to move his feet, and he will become accustomed to what you are trying to do. This method will fix the problem, usually in very little time, but in some persistent cases (maybe someone has been plunking the kid during batting practice, nd he has gottenn shy of the box?) it can take some continued effort.
Obviously, It’s a good idea that the coach wear a helmet while doing this exercise. | |
