Knowledge Hub

• Ensure he starts with a balanced stance, with his feet about shoulder-width apart. His weight should feel even on both feet to start. Encourage a slight bend in his knees so he's ready to move.
• Work on getting him to swing level through the hitting zone, not chopping down. You can tell him to imagine hitting the ball right back up the middle.

• Emphasize using his whole body in the swing, not just his arms. His hips and shoulders should rotate as he swings. You can have him practice just turning his body back and forth.
• Encourage a short, compact swing. At this age, making contact is more important than swinging for the fences. Tell him to try and "meet" the ball.

• Work on a small step towards the pitcher as he starts his swing. This helps transfer his weight and engage his legs. You can draw a small line in the dirt for him to step towards.
• Practice drills where he takes that small step and then swings. Soft toss is great for this.

• Use a batting tee a lot so he can focus on his swing without worrying about missing a live pitch. Celebrate every time he makes solid contact.
• Do soft toss from close range so it's easier for him to hit the ball. This will help him feel successful.
• Keep it fun and positive! Remind him that everyone learns at their own pace and that you're there to help him get better.

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• Ensure he starts with a balanced stance, feet shoulder-width apart. His weight should be evenly distributed on both feet.
• Encourage him to maintain a slight bend in his knees for better stability.Next is his foot placement.
• Work on keeping his front foot planted and aligned with his back foot during the swing. You can use tape on the ground (or an X in the dirt) as a guide for where his front foot should land.
• Practice drills where he focuses on stepping forward without drifting to the left. Have him practice with a soft toss, emphasizing keeping his foot straight.Timing the Swing.
• Help him understand the importance of timing. Use a rhythmic “load” cue. For example, as the ball approaches, he should load his weight back and then explode forward into the swing.
• Use a tee to practice swings without the fear of missing the ball. This allows him to focus solely on his footwork and timing.Use Video.
• If possible, record his swings and review them together. This can help him see what he’s doing right and where he needs to improve.Soft Toss.
• Have someone softly toss balls to him from the side, focusing on keeping his feet planted and stepping straight toward the pitcher while swinging.