high school swing mechanics

I'm totally not picturing what you're describing but I have a feeling whatever it is would not be a good swing.

I tried to find a video online of bad swing technique and couldn't find it.  I might video my son at home demonstrating it and then post it here. 

I feel like I'm in a bad dream.  

Some of the kids heads were literally looking back toward the catcher after their swing. Just imagine trying to walk toward the pitcher during and after your swing. 

Kid in our organization who was eventually drafted used to "go take a dump" when the coach was teaching them something wrong.  

 

But it here's the thing.  Your season starts in a few weeks, right.  What make the coach think he can change these kids swings in that short time?  Sounds like a complete waste of time.  Good luck.  

Based on some of the kids swings at batting practice the coach is doing a good job at changing swings. 

It's so bad that I'm going to be embarrassed watching our team play against other teams if most of the players swing the way the coach is teaching them.

All I can do right now is make sure my son keeps swinging the correct (and only) way.   

It sounds like he is teaching a technique used for slow pitch softball where you actually drive so hard forward that your back foot slides forward with the swing. Think of it as a follow through.That technique is based 100% on timing the pitch properly. I have a feeling some kids are going to look pretty bad on off speed pitches.

 

I'll see if I can find some videos and post them here.

That is interesting you bring up softball because the baseball HC was the girls softball H.C. for about 10 yrs.  

Well then... that is exactly what he is teaching them then. It won't work for baseball for two reasons. 1) The softball batters box is larger so "walking the box" can be done and you stay within the box. 2) Pitching styles and ball movement is completely different and will make your batters look stupid.

I agree and now I'm not looking forward to the baseball season.  I just feel like someone gut punched me. 

By the way, to hit with power in slo-pitch softball requires the same rotational technique that MLB baseball hitters use.  

http://youtu.be/dUVxpr7tUdE

 

Curious, baseballmania, how long has he been coaching the baseball program and has he had success?

I was thinking something similar to what Coach Sampson said but there could be other explanations in play here.

Sounds like it was just a drill to me - step through for balance, open hips.

I have never, ever seen a drill like what I witnessed.  If you can find me a picture or video clip that demonstrates forward momentum during and after the swing with the back foot coming forward ahead of the front foot after the swing please show it.  

Please, someone make this nightmare go away.  Cookies and warm milk did nothing for me. 

I am trying real hard to give the benefit of the doubt but it is extremely difficult.  I will have to video my son demonstrating the "technique" and post it. 

Seriously, if I was demonstrating how not to swing a bat I would emulate what is being taught to these kids. 

CatsPop, Exactly. 

There are times when we will drill our pitchers to throw almost straight down to reinforce the feeling of staying on top of the ball.  Certainly not the desired pitching mechanic but a useful drill.  At times, we will instruct hitters (who have too much upward plane in their swing) to swing downward, driving the ball at the base of the front-toss screen.  While this is not ultimately where we want their swing plane, it is effective in adjusting it slightly toward a more level plane.  There are times when we will use a version of the Happy Gilmore drill (similar to what is being described here) to help hitters who may be collapsing on their back side get a better feel for hitting against a firm front side.  While we ultimately don't want that much lateral movement, it is a helpful drill in moving a hitter toward a proper balanced swing.

 

Not saying that is what is happening with your situation, baseballmania, but something to be sensitive to.  I'm also curious... I'm sure you asked your son.  What was his explanation? 

This is the only one I could find with a quick search, but know it was something that was taught to my son by a former pro (as well as the step to or "Happy Gilmore"):

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXL2D_rpUAE.

 

I know what the Happy Gilmore drill is (http://youtu.be/zd7Mvu1vg_Y) and even this drill stresses rotation mechanics at the point of contact with no forward movement after the swing.  In fact I taught my son to use this to demonstrate linear to rotational mechanics in the swing.  

I'm having a difficult time explaining it in words so I will get a video up to demonstrate what is being taught at practice. 

Bravo!  That's it!  My son did tell me that the coach said it came from Japan.

....................................OK if I have a 115 lb freshman who can make contact with wheels I might do this but to teach a team????  Not going to happen.  Doesn't / didn't Ichiro do this when he first came to MLB?

 

I've seen a drill off the tee where you walk through to hit (probably the one cabbagedad is talking about) but not a huge fan of it.

 

I'm not a big fan of going against a coach because of respect (and those that know me on here know I'm an overall defender of HS coaches) but what do you to here?  Obviously you can't do this and be successful.

 

Double check with your son to make sure he's teaching this as THE way to swing and not just a drill or something.

I've seen this as a drill, usually w a tee or soft toss. And usually younger kids.  It can get the kids "mind out of his feet", ie, when they are thinking too much about all the "swing thoughts" that get put into their minds by parents, coaches, etc.  Off a tee, it really feels kind of natural.  Just a thought.

Ditto that this is a drill I've seen used over the years. Seems like your son could tell you pretty clearly that it was a drill, as opposed to a "new swing" that the coach is changing every player to? Players often look silly trying new drills that are designed to isolate/exaggerate a certain movement, rotation, muscle memory.