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Have a 13 year old here who is a great athlete but has only played baseball for less than a year now. What is wrong with his swing here and what does he need to change? Thanks. Seems to be doing ok so far because he does make contact, just not lots of power yet. Any suggestions would be great!!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr9kysn8KdY

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Yup, too wristy.  His swings are mostly arm and wrist flip. His hips follow the swing instead of lead.  He would benefit from using more lower half earlier, thinking about driving the ball with his back hip, if that makes sense.  He should think about meeting the ball out front while still maintaining the V angle with his bat and arms (as golfman said, palm up/palm down). 

 

Also, when he loads, he drops his head and raises his front shoulder to the point that it looks like he is hiding his eyes from seeing the ball.  Have him try a more natural stance at load where his head is more upright and comfortably looking at the ball.

 

He looks plenty athletic and certainly has potential.  Lots can happen with him in the next year or two if he gets the baseball bug and decides to really work at it.  It will probably also be a lot easier for him if he is not standing in two big holes

 

Best of luck.

This might help...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuhwyV32aLU

 

Notice the palm up/palm down reference and position.  Also notice that the wrists don't roll until well after the barrel leaves the hitting zone.  A nice wide "stacked" base with the hips leading the rotation. 

I don't necessarily recommend the release of the top hand, particularly for a newer young player, but everything is really good up to that point.  Note that he does stay connected with both hands on the live speed swing.  I would start here. 

This is a great time to get him hooked up with a good instructor if you can.

Last edited by cabbagedad

Good simple drill from golfman.  Here's another youtube...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS-PcxmaHmQ

From about the 9 minute mark on has relavent stuff to what you are dealing with.

 

There are lots of different hitting philosophies and mechanics out there so you will see lots of disagreement with various drills and mechanic instruction but some basic points are constant. 

I see too much head movement. Head movement= eye movement which throws the batter's perception off. Everything needs to be smooth and fluid. Too much jerking around and the batter is doomed on well placed pitches. Have him "throw" his right hip at the ball and allow the hands to follow, as opposed to letting his arms swing and hip follow through the target. He is not engaging core strength that way.

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