Can you have too much bat speed?

Question:

My son just went through the worst possible winter of his playing career. He had worked very hard this past off season to develop some serious “pop” in his bat. We measured his bat velocity while doing some heavy duty overload/underload training. His bat speed really increased and I could really see the pop.
The problem is that it is just in batting practice. In games he wasn’t making contact. When he did, it was a rocket. The first thing that I saw was that he was pulling off theball. The next thing was a loop in the swing. After that I saw the early rolling of the hands and then too much weight passing through center onto his front side. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer:

It sounds like your son has improved his bat speed and therefore his power. Now, he expects to hit the ball out of the ball park. That may be the problem – he feels he should be hitting the ball out of the park. He is probably over swinging and his effort level is too high.

He must get back to thinking “hard contact” and “line drives”. An excessive effort level leads to many break downs – head movement, front side pulling off, rolling top hand, etc. Get him back to basics so that his goal is consistent hard contact and line drives. Look for good balance, correct head position throughout the swing, and a short hand path to the ball.

Swing Away Pro for Bat Speed

There’s a new piece of equipment to our Bat Speed Training program – the Swing Away Pro Model Swing Trainer:

We put this hitting system together over the weekend and been taking swings on it to test it out, and the initial response has been great.

Overall, the system is sturdier than what we’ve seen before from this type of device. The bungee system does a nice job of getting the ball back to a stationary position quickly, and it stays in the same spot in the strike zone that was originally set up. The bungee system also eliminates the need to pick up baseballs, which does have a convenience factor when you have a specific training goal and/or are fitting quality batting practice into limited amounts of time.

The ball itself gives good feedback regarding quality of contact. In other words, you can tell if you hit the ball solidly or not. Plus there is enough space that you can get an idea of the direction that you hit the ball. For example, if you are set up to hit the ball up the middle, but you get around the ball with your swing a little, you can tell that you pulled it too much. The hitting mat includes a home plate which helps alignment and set-up, and there is a red string that is used as a target, which is a small detail, but is very useful when you are using the directional feedback.

Something that is key, is that the machine still gives you feedback on quality and direction of contact, but lets you focus on something that is crucial in bat speed development – intent. Especially with younger or less experienced players, it is hard to focus on bat speed or swing quickness when you are also asking them to hit a tossed or pitched ball. That’s kind of like training for power and endurance at the same time – which one is really most important? It depends on the needs of the individual. This system makes it easier to separate goals and focus on specialized areas of swing mechanics development or bat speed training.

We’re looking forward to continued use of the Swing Away a part of our program. If you’re in the Palm Beach – Palm Beach Gardens – Jupiter, FL area, see our instruction options and come check us out. Otherwise, check back for more on how we use our training products for bat speed and hitting development…

Jeff Albert
AA Hitting Coach
St. Louis Cardinals

It’s Time to Talk to Yourself

The mind is a phenomenal computer, with total capability of instructing your body to perform to it’s maximum potential.  However, your actions, negative or positive, are directly related to the chosen data that is programmed into the mind.  Programmed negatively, the mind can only respond negatively.  But, enter positive information and the results will be positive.  This appropriate approach displaces worry, doubts and fears or any other psychological obstacles, while allowing the body to get the job done to your satisfaction.

Positive affirmations are invaluable and work quickly.  These self talk or motivational phrases should always be in the present tense and begin with I.  Examples:  I am a great hitter.  I am confident.  I feel happy.  I am aggressive.  I have great location.  I have a great eye.  I have a great arm. I have a great glove.  I will get this guy out.  I have outstanding defensive skills.  I can hit any pitch.  I can hit any pitcher.  I have great stuff.   I am relaxed.  Develop your own affirmations according to your desires, and as you repeat them, ideally several times a day, you will experience a change in attitudes.

The repetition will instill confidence which will boost success.  Write these affirmations  down on small index cards or paper,  tape  or place them in strategic places to remind you of your chosen changes in thinking.  You will love the results!

How to Teach Younger Players

Question:

Your material is top rate. I am having incredible results with both my kids (boy – 7 and girl – 9). I am managing my son’s team as well as a coach for my daughter’s team. My approach thus far is to cover all aspects of hitting fundamentals with all the kids starting on the set up and working forward. My time with each player is limited to about 10 minutes a week. Are there fundamentals that I should focus on that will get more observable results than others? With these kids getting limited reps, the progress is slow. I have completed the entire swing and am wondering if I start back at the beginning as most kids still struggle with the basics. I would appreciate any thoughts.

Answer:

With young kids, I recommend you start with their legs. Make sure their legs are in the proper position, so that they can complete their swing staying on balance. The practice time you are able to give them is not enough alone.  Give them specific areas to work on, such as working on balance in front of their mirror at home. If they have a tee at home, give them something specific to work on. If you can get more help, I would set up more drill stations so the kids can get more swings. They need to swing the bat everyday to improve their skills.