Please help me & son, analysis his swing 8U Player

Hi NM Dad,
Nice looking strong kid. It's great that he seems to love to hit. So, in the background, mom says "hit me a home run for Mother's Day". That thought is part of the problem. He is tilting back in an effort to lift the ball on most every pitch. The result is that he swings the bat on a steep upward plane and this causes poor consistency with solid contact - thus he tops a lot of balls.
A good game to play- challenge him to see how many times he can make you duck when you pitch to him. Better yet, how many times you have to protect your crotch. Reward him with whatever if he succeeds "x" times out of "x". This will get him to start thinking about line drives instead of trying to lift the ball over the infield. This will result in a more level swing and more consistent contact. Also, if he is thinking about hitting toward you, he won't reach so much.

Lastly, his back foot has a tendancy to bail. Stick a bat or a ball bucket behind his back foot so he gets feedback when he bails.

He's only 8, so keep it simple and just enjoy him playing. No need to get too technical yet.

Have fun.

Hi Cabbagedad,

Yeah mom is just offering encouragment cause she knows how tough I can be on him I get frustrated when hits grounder after grounder, nothing wrong with a good hit ground ball but like I said the ball is hitting near the plate and the ball just fizzles out towards the pitcher or the shortstop. I know he's a way better hitter than that.

I see where he is swinging on an upward plane, and your right that back foot does sail on him, I've preached to him to keep it planted, but I did not notice that when I got home to watch the video, I'll try your suggestion to keep it in place. Good to have other eyes look at it cause I missed that.

Regarding the tilting back do you mean he is dropping his back shoulder? it kinda looks like he does at times drop his shoulder and lowers his head and that causes the upward plane perhaps? Just keep his head straight ahead and keep those shoulders level right?

I'm doing the best I can with him, his fielding is excellent, leaps and bounds over last year, he plays 1st base and catches just about everything. Just seems his hitting has taken a step back this year. Trying to get him back on track and more of a complete player on both sides of the diamond.

Thanks for the reply, you given me something to go on, just wanted to make sure I understood you right on the tilting back part.

First, got to love any kid who wants to go out and work on hitting

Second, got to love any dad willing to go out and throw BPD to a kid who wants to hit.


Looks like he has "happy feet", moving around to much - maybe because he is not wearing cleats????

What size bat is he using, maybe too big to use proper swing technique

Invest into a hitting tee - watch some video's or get wih a local for some lesson, practice a lot of t work

remember, he is only 8U, there is nothing terrible about his swing, just keep practicing, and good luck.

Just a little pet peeve of mine, but I feel it’s worth mentioning.

Get a bucket lid or a cushion and kneel down on one knee and throw BP to him. The trajectory of you arching the ball “Down” to him won’t help his swing. Most of the pitches he did swing at were coming almost straight down when they got to him and were low, so the majority of them will be ground balls or pop ups.

The success of a kid hitting during Coach pitch is sometimes more reflective of the coach “pitching” than the swing of the player.

What size / weight is that bat? Looks like he’s really struggling to bring it around.

I second the notion of having him hit off a tee.

ENJOY these moments. He’s 8. You’ll NEVER Get this time back. Don’t waste it on being worked up over how he’s hitting now.

Mine is 15, I’d give anything to go back to this age.

Is that an adult bat?

He is using a Louisville Slugger TPX Catalyst Size 29 18ounces 2 5/8 barrel -11 inch drop.

He's a big kid for an 8 year old, 4'7 and 70lbs, I've asked him about the bat and he says he feels comfortable with it. I think the justbats.com guide even recommends a bigger bat for his size like a 30. He's used a 27 inch big barrel and seems he hits it about the same this season with it.

I coach his team so I pitch to several kids, I was blessed with some sluggers this year and the other kids don't seem to struggle with my pitching, so I feel it's more my son's technique rather than me pitching.

But I'm up for any suggestions? do you guys think the bat is too big then? do I need to bring my pitches up? The batting Tee is a good idea as well I believe.

I'm trying not to get too worked up guys, he's a good kid and really wants his dad's approval, I try to be positive and keep working and working with him. Just doesn't seem like we have been making any progress so thus I'm here looking for advice.

I can definetly see his form is off, needs to keep that swing level and work on the happy feet.

Update:

When I got home today, I showed him the video and how he was tilting way back and not swinging level.

Then we went out to the ballpark, told him keep his feet planted and swing level. Threw at least 25 balls, he only topped about 3 balls, much better hits and power on the ball, had to pack it up because of some lightning and thunder in the area and fixing to rain.

In just that short time, he already showed more consistency and I just keep on saying to him keep swinging level, keep your feet set.

We got a game tomorrow, so hopefully I can give another update with some good news. For the 1st time I feel positive we are on to something and I'll keep re-enforcing his technique and probably invest in a tee and practice with it too.

If you have any more advice on the bat I would like that as well, I feel it's a good size and fit for him but if someone thinks otherwise I would like to hear it. Thanks again

nmbaseballdad,

Your son is 8 years old, he has a long ways to go. I think it's a good idea to to develop a nice swing and make it a habit.

You asked for help... So... To be honest, he does not have a good swing, even for an 8 year old. If it is something he wants to do, I suggest finding someone to teach him a good swing. A lot of information can be gathered here, but I really think you are starting at square one. You get him with a good hitting guy and you will be very surprised when you compare that new video of his swing with the one you posted here.

The other alternative... just keep working with him and have fun. He has lots of time to develop a good swing.

That's what I want PGStaff everyone's honest opinion, I need to correct the problem so brute honesty is what's needed.

I agree his swing is awful in the video. It was hard for me to pinpoint a few things until people here brought it to my attention.

For one I was probably putting too much pressure on him and he is just trying to put more air on the ball and thus the tilting back and upward swing. His form and footwork just got sloppy as well with him doing that.

My frustration comes from the previous season and really ever since he started playing he has hit with power, so I just knew it was something he was doing wrong.

Like I said yesterday we worked on correcting the mistakes you guys saw. I saw way more consistency and power in his hits so I'm very positive we are on the right track now.

I live in a small town, so a hitting coach or batting cages is not an option. So really you guys are more help than anything.

They cancelled our game today because the fields are too muddy, but we will go hit again today, and i'll see if I can get some video again and upload it, see if you can tell a difference in his swing.

Coil. That alone should help the lower body. He has time on his side. Worst case, you get him Epstein and get him a decent chance against pitching he'll face. Tell him to feel like he's swinging straight down. That might help with the uppercut. Otherwise, I suggest the following: Place two tees 10-15 feet apart. Place a ball on both tees. Go to the back tee. Hit the ball from the back tee, trying to hit the ball on the front tee. Repeat.

nmbaseballdad,

I'm glad you see it that way. If he were 18 I wouldn't say a word. At 8 nothing I say should get in the way.

Here is the problem IMO. You and he want to do better. He has a terrible swing and even if he does a few things it won't make much diference. The results might be a bit better and everyone might be happy about that, but sooner or later his swing needs to be reconstructed from start to finish in order to reach his potential. Remember that later is just fine, but the sooner he forms good habits the more benificial.

If you can't find a good hitting guy in your area, start studying video of the best hitters. Granted they will be stronger, but many of the mechanics of a good swing can be handled by an 8 year old, with the right bat. Even a whiffle ball bat will help!

Learn as much as you can about hitting and the swing. Start right from the beginning and try to copy the best MLB swing. For that matter, most any MLB swing would be OK.

People here will be polite, but there is no one who knows a good swing that will see very much your son is doing right. He looks just like any other 8 year old that has never learned how to hit. And that is just fine, but you are looking for help.

Once your son learns the basic fundamentals, people here can help you a lot more. But right now it's more of a hands on thing. Have him copy the best hitters in the World. And do listen to what the people here have to say because there are some very knowledgable people who contribute here.

Best of luck

nmbaseballdad,

Here is a video of a kid 17 years old from your state. This video is part of a homerun contest, so he is definitely swinging for the fences. His actual in-game swings are a bit different and more under control. (He is a very good hitter)
Alex Bregman at PG National
BTW, this was in the Boston Red Sox MLB Spring Training stadium up until this year.

I must agree with PG here. We drove 80 miles each way for years and years to get to a hitting instructor. I believe it has helped, I knew little about the game, but my son loves it so I did what I had to do.

If you are unable to find an instructor the first thing I would focus on is developing a firm foundation. Get his feet positioned about twice the width of his shoulders and bend his knees slightly. Have him stay balanced and in control throughout his swing. Get a lighter bat for him and have him do wrist rolls with a pound or two of weight.

Or encourage him to climb trees, that will build up his fore arm strength as well. Pound nails and build forts, get those arms working so he builds up some strength.

My take. Get him a smaller bat. Maybe a 27-28 drop 10-12. Consider a 2 1/4 barrel.

Second, get him a batting tee. Get a net or tarp to hit into. Doesn't have to be fancy -- I took a canvas painters tarp and hung it in the garage. Also, take the tee to the field a few times.

Then start hitting. Search around for some hitting basics info on the here or the net. Focus on a good athletic stance, turn the hips first, then the shoulders and hands. The tee will take the pitch trajectory issue away and allow him to focus on a good sound swing. Focus on line drives back up the middle, over the pitchers head.

Have fun and good luck.

I have definitely heard of Alex Bregman, he played up in Northern NM but I live in Southern NM about 4 hours away from Albq so I never seen him play in person but he is a talented player.

I would drive 80 miles for a good hitting instructor as well but I don't even think there is one within 80 miles of me, probably the closest would be 3 hours away in Lubbock, TX but I'll look around and see.

I didn't get video today but we did hit some before our team practice and even my cousin commented he was hitting better. We will go out and tape him hitting some more tomorrow and upload it and I want you guys to see what you think. I'm sure he still has work to do and ways to get better but as long as he can come out of this slump and hit with some more pop as we have a couple big games coming up and I need him to hit better and we will focus on long term success and look into getting him a good instructor if not I will study up all I can and do my best to help bring him along.

Check tomorrow evening and I'll have some new video up and let me know what you think.

quote:

Originally posted by Golfman25:
My take. Get him a smaller bat. Maybe a 27-28 drop 10-12. Consider a 2 1/4 barrel.

Second, get him a batting tee. Get a net or tarp to hit into. Doesn't have to be fancy -- I took a canvas painters tarp and hung it in the garage. Also, take the tee to the field a few times.

Then start hitting. Search around for some hitting basics info on the here or the net. Focus on a good athletic stance, turn the hips first, then the shoulders and hands. The tee will take the pitch trajectory issue away and allow him to focus on a good sound swing. Focus on line drives back up the middle, over the pitchers head.

Have fun and good luck.

Good advice as well, I'm a sponge trying to soak it all in lol. I got some drills and ideas I can do with him now. Much appreciated

NMBaseballDad,

Your 8 y/o swing is not as bad as previously mentioned.

Here's some suggestions

1. Take video of the 8U hitting off a batting tee. 8-10 swings with tee in middle of the front of the plate, waist high. Camera can be from side/front

2. Take video of the 8U hitting soft toss.
Dad in front maybe behind front screen.
Camera can be behind hitter.

You, and son, will be able to see many of his hitting flaws, and more importantly, both will soon learn better techniques/skills for pursuing good swing mechanics.

This includes proper:
- Stance
- Hand movement
- Back / front weight shift
- Front shoulder turn
- Stride to power position
- Hip rotation
- Hand path
- Swing path
.......'Short to'....Long through (strikezone)
- Upper body / lower body rotation/balance
- Moment of Truth (at contact)

Keep us informed.

Great age.

Remember, for every poor swing, four-five good swings are necessary to repair ailment.

nmbaseballdad,

I appreciate the way you respond to things. My guess is that your son will greatly benefit because of that.

First of all, please understand, in no way am I saying your son is bad. I'm only saying the swing in the video is bad, even for an 8 year old. Your son seems to have good hand eye coordination and that will really help him as he develops better technique.

Here is a video I found of an 8 year old boy who seems to be fairly small. Please look at this swing which I would consider very advanced for 8 years old. This kid does a lot of things right.
8 year old

Oh I know guys, I'm a big boy as you see in the video ha ha, no need to sugar coat it for me, I get plenty of that at home

He's a good athlete, he plays s****r, basketball and baseball and he's done well in all 3 sports. His fielding in baseball has been great but the hitting has just not been good and I couldn't figure it out but I'm seeing why and what we need to work on.

I'm going to get us a batting tee over the weekend and try some of these drills with him, I think that will help a lot too.

PG that kid in the video has great great form and footwork, maybe we can get to that point, just takes practice and patience.

I guess s****r of Futbol is a bad word on here lol.

He plays travel Futbol, I like it cause it keeps him in shape, my boy can eat and if he wasn't active he would be as big as me lol.

If you can't find a hitting instructor, working off a tee and using online instruction videos is probably your best bet. Since there are so many on YouTube, it can still be pretty confusing and overwhelming.

The advice I like is start from the ground and work up. By that I mean get the feet and and weight balance right, then go to instruction you'll see about initiating with the back hip. When my son was first learning, an instructor had my son begin with a drill where he rocked his back knee in as he drove his back hip forward. Nothing with the arms, just getting him used to generating power with his lower body. It changed the foundation of his swing immediately.

From there move on to the more complicated stuff aspects of the swing itself.

Work on his stride-to-toe-touch phase (its causing lots of problems).

His shoulders are backwards. The front should be down, not up.

He should coil in as he goes forward.

Work on this in a mirror, then take another video after a few weeks, and let's see where you are.

NMdad,
You're getting lots of good advice and I think you would be blown away if you were aware of the backgrounds of some of those offering up that advice. I can't argue that it wouldn't hurt to get him to a qualified instructor to get him swinging properly earlier rather than later. I also agree that you seem to have a great attitude about being open to advice and honest critique.
There's still a bit of a red flag for me that I would caution you about... a few comments like -

"I'm sure he still has work to do and ways to get better but as long as he can come out of this slump and hit with some more pop as we have a couple big games coming up and I need him to hit better.."

Remember that he is still 8 and let him enjoy being that age. An 8 y.o. should not be worried about slumps and needing to perform in big games and that need definitely should not come from an adult. Make sure that any sense of competitive pressure is something he puts on himself and doesn't come from you. Otherwise, you may find him burned out or driven out of his love for sports prematurely.

In a few years or so, you are going to laugh at your own comment about how important it was that he come out of a slump because YOU need him to hit better in a big 8u coach pitch game. If you can learn some part of that in advance, it will help both of you going forward.

That's why my first post was more about learning through making it fun with games. If you can get him technical help without you taking things too seriously, then great. I'm just not sure I get that from you at this point. And, by the way, many or most of us were right there with you the first time around... and maybe the second time..

quote:

Originally posted by nmbaseballdad:
I coach his team so I pitch to several kids, I was blessed with some sluggers this year and the other kids don't seem to struggle with my pitching, so I feel it's more my son's technique rather than me pitching.

Okay, I understand where you are coming from. Take my advice or leave it. Just saying, from someone whose been there, kids will actually change their swing to have initial success to hit pitching like that. And then they’ll have to change it back eventually.

I know some might not agree, but I’d get the Epstein basic swing stuff. I personally think it’s really great for the young guys to grasp.

My kid had no problem with his stuff around 8 years old.

More advice well taken cabbagedad.

I know I get too caught up in what he does on the field performance wise and I need to learn to relax and just keep it fun for him.

My uncles were pretty talented in sports, their sons were pretty talented as well and the same age as me growing up. I was so so, but never the star like they were and I see a lot of ability in my son that I never had and I want that to come through so bad that I get that edge to me and try to push and push and push and be a hard @ss at times. I need to just keep it fun and I've been trying too, we do have some big games coming up that I would like him to perform better in, but I've said nothing to him about it, we've just been going out and working on our hitting, but in the past I've been guilty of putting additional pressure on him that's not needed and instead of just motivating him, he's so worried he's going to screw up that he doesn't play the way he would normally play anyways.

This is my first child and you know you usually make mistakes with the first one lol, but I'm mellowing out and not near as bad as I used to be in that area.

quote:

Originally posted by ctandc:

quote:

Originally posted by nmbaseballdad:
I coach his team so I pitch to several kids, I was blessed with some sluggers this year and the other kids don't seem to struggle with my pitching, so I feel it's more my son's technique rather than me pitching.

Okay, I understand where you are coming from. Take my advice or leave it. Just saying, from someone whose been there, kids will actually change their swing to have initial success to hit pitching like that. And then they’ll have to change it back eventually.

I know some might not agree, but I’d get the Epstein basic swing stuff. I personally think it’s really great for the young guys to grasp.

My kid had no problem with his stuff around 8 years old.

I have noticed this season he did seem to hit the pitches I threw high better than the ones I would try to throw down the middle, so I would try to throw higher to him at times but I know that's not a good solution either.

What is the Epstein basic swing stuff? Is it a book or video?

quote:

Originally posted by nmbaseballdad:

quote:

Originally posted by ctandc:

quote:

Originally posted by nmbaseballdad:
I coach his team so I pitch to several kids, I was blessed with some sluggers this year and the other kids don't seem to struggle with my pitching, so I feel it's more my son's technique rather than me pitching.

Okay, I understand where you are coming from. Take my advice or leave it. Just saying, from someone whose been there, kids will actually change their swing to have initial success to hit pitching like that. And then they’ll have to change it back eventually.

I know some might not agree, but I’d get the Epstein basic swing stuff. I personally think it’s really great for the young guys to grasp.

My kid had no problem with his stuff around 8 years old.

I have noticed this season he did seem to hit the pitches I threw high better than the ones I would try to throw down the middle, so I would try to throw higher to him at times but I know that's not a good solution either.

What is the Epstein basic swing stuff? Is it a book or video?

Epstein's best product is a CD called "How to Hit your potential in just 7 days". It details the drills and the technique that he espouses. If you can't get this, get the "Do we teach what we see?" DVD. And, augument it with Ted Williams and The Science of Hitting.

Ok here is today's hitting. He used his older 27inch 17oz bat and he did seem to hit better with the slightly lighter and shorter bat. He still used the 29inch 18oz bat as well and hit better with it compared to the first video. He uses both bats in the video.

I think their is a lot more consistency to his hits now and more power on the ground balls and a lot less topping the ball near the plate and then just slowly rolling. I know his swing is still probably not the best but I will work on that with time, I'll get the batting tee and I want to study up some more, so I know I'm teaching him right.

Anyways here is today's video and please let me know what you see or compare to the first video.
http://youtu.be/4ipzAsazzzo

The most glaring thing too me is that he does not finish his swing. There is a host of other things but that is the first thing I noticed. On the positive side looks better than the first video.

quote:

Originally posted by standballdad:
The most glaring thing too me is that he does not finish his swing. There is a host of other things but that is the first thing I noticed. On the positive side looks better than the first video.

Yeah I noticed too he doesn't follow through with the bat all the time.

What else? please let me know so I can focus on that

quote:

Originally posted by nmbaseballdad:

quote:

Originally posted by standballdad:
The most glaring thing too me is that he does not finish his swing. There is a host of other things but that is the first thing I noticed. On the positive side looks better than the first video.

Yeah I noticed too he doesn't follow through with the bat all the time.

What else? please let me know so I can focus on that

He is what I call an arm swinger. He does not use his lower half (very little hip rotation) might be why he does not follow through with his swing. I think the best advice I have seen posted here is too have him hit off a batting tee and try to take it up the middle on a line drive. He seems to have good hand eye. The other thing is too find him some instruction. Doesn't need to be a top notch mechanics type of guy, just someone that can get him going in the right direction working on basic fundamentals. Stance, grip etc... Is there not a local coach or dad from your league that can help? Usually if you go and find the better players in rec leagues its because their dad knows a little something about how to teach baseball. Seek out advice, most dads love to share what they know if asked. The advice on this board is also very good, but it is not face to face and I know most kids seem to do better with real interaction. The other thing is to keep it simple at this age.

quote:

Originally posted by Low Finish:
Place two tees 10-15 feet apart. Place a ball on both tees. Go to the back tee. Hit the ball from the back tee, trying to hit the ball on the front tee. Repeat.

Also, put the tees 2-3 ft apart and have him hit the ball off the front tee. If he drops the back shoulder and swings in a upward plane, he won't be able to hit it without hitting the back ball.

quote:

Originally posted by nmbaseballdad:

quote:

Originally posted by ctandc:

quote:

Originally posted by nmbaseballdad:
I coach his team so I pitch to several kids, I was blessed with some sluggers this year and the other kids don't seem to struggle with my pitching, so I feel it's more my son's technique rather than me pitching.

Okay, I understand where you are coming from. Take my advice or leave it. Just saying, from someone whose been there, kids will actually change their swing to have initial success to hit pitching like that. And then they’ll have to change it back eventually.

I know some might not agree, but I’d get the Epstein basic swing stuff. I personally think it’s really great for the young guys to grasp.

My kid had no problem with his stuff around 8 years old.

I have noticed this season he did seem to hit the pitches I threw high better than the ones I would try to throw down the middle, so I would try to throw higher to him at times but I know that's not a good solution either.

What is the Epstein basic swing stuff? Is it a book or video?

Google Mike Epstein hitting. He has some good stuff out -- video, DVD and book. You can get the complete package for about $100. I find his stuff very interesting.

Also, check out the pitching acedemy. They have a dvd on basic hitting mechanics. Like $35 bucks.

Good luck.

It looks like he is wearing sneakers. If he is going to hit on dirt, I suggest he wear cleats. It may not seem like a big deal, but IMO it makes a big difference.

The bat stopping at contact is glaring, but that is easy to fix. To echo my earlier post, I would start with his feet and balance, getting him to make a short consistent stride to the pitcher--not here, there and everywhere like he is now. When he has that, get his back hip to start the swing. Until he starts using his lower body, he is going to be all arms. I used to be "see it, hit it" at this age, but now I realize they have to re-learn a lot if they don't get the major mechanics right early.

He has good hand-eye coordination. Don't worry about him being able to hit the ball. He can do that--it is the things before contact (and after) that you should be thinking of.

You've gotten some great advice. I'll share a drill a came up with (I probably got it from somewhere / someone but I honestly don't remember where / who or I would give credit).

This will help young kids understand the majority of the power in their swing is generated by the "big" part of the body.

Get a tee. Set a ball on it.

Have the hold the bat behind their back. They grip bat with their hands behind their back and the bat is perpendicular to their body. Hard to describe.

So when they address the tee, in a normal stance, the bat is behind their back, the barrel is facing away from where the pitcher would be.

Have them turn their BODY to make the bat move and hit the ball off the tee. Young kids are fun with this, because it’s new. It’s different.

Another one I like is have a kid setup and I would actually get kneel down behind the kid, and hold his waist with my hands. I’d the tell the kid to setup like normal and tell him “Whatever you do, don’t let the bat move.”

I’d then simply turn their hips. And of course that bat would move.

Keep it simple and fun.

quote:

Originally posted by ctandc:
You've gotten some great advice. I'll share a drill a came up with (I probably got it from somewhere / someone but I honestly don't remember where / who or I would give credit).

This will help young kids understand the majority of the power in their swing is generated by the "big" part of the body.

Get a tee. Set a ball on it.

Have the hold the bat behind their back. They grip bat with their hands behind their back and the bat is perpendicular to their body. Hard to describe.

So when they address the tee, in a normal stance, the bat is behind their back, the barrel is facing away from where the pitcher would be.

Have them turn their BODY to make the bat move and hit the ball off the tee. Young kids are fun with this, because it’s new. It’s different.

Another one I like is have a kid setup and I would actually get kneel down behind the kid, and hold his waist with my hands. I’d the tell the kid to setup like normal and tell him “Whatever you do, don’t let the bat move.”

I’d then simply turn their hips. And of course that bat would move.

Keep it simple and fun.

Hips need to be bottom of top, not top of bottom.

We had a game tonight, he was 4-4. Two big hits in the air to center field, in the park hr's. Next at bat in the air to leftfield, made a double. Last at bat he hit it to the ss but he had trouble fielding it, probably should have been out on that one but I'll take it.

I'm glad to see he is hitting for power again, with just small adjustments. With time and me studying up some I can only imagine what a good technical swing could do. It will take me time though, I will seek out local help or an instructor if I can't get it through to him but I feel I can.

You guys did good, you set me on the right track for sure. All this for an 8 year old kid, is much appreciated. This site is the best around.

cool, dad!