Hitting a Moving Object

Paul, I wouldn't worry about it, unless you see an OBVIOUS flaw. I have heard and read so much on hitting (hands, position power, hip rotation, rolling wrists, inside/out swings, circular path hand movement, etc.) that even I am confused. I personally think that we are making it a lot more complicated that it need be. Historically, I have focused on the simplistic approach, and found it to be successful. IF (a big if) there is one key to hitting, it is maintaining the path of the bat (swing) in the plane of the pitch FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. I understand that there is a lot more to it - scientific, technical, philosophical, emotional, etc. But confidence is built by successful repetitions - and that usually means greater probability of good contact, RESULTING in line drives.

I offer no advice, for I have always been impressed by your competence in replies and comments on this board. Sometimes, with our "own" it is harder to be constructive, objective, etc. You KNOW, the expert is ALWAYS the guy from out of town with the briefcase!

Seriously, he MIGHT have some minor mechanical flaw that should be corrected. But hitting groundballs (hard) doesn't seem to me to be that much of a problem area. Give it a chance.

And as far as "pitch selection" is concerned, there are definitely TWO schools of thought. One says that you should (as early as possible)understand the strike zone, and adhere to it. The other (to which I subscribe) emphasizes the aggressive swing, also known as the Pete Rose approach. Pete suggests, and I happen to believe him, that teaching youngsters to be very selective at an early age takes away their aggressiveness with the bat - a fundamental to good hitting. This year my grandson, who historically has been an excellent hitter, was taught to be "more selective" by the head coach. And he was. And he walked 80% of the time. But we NEEDED HIS BAT! A walk was of limited value to us when he batted fifth and the hitters below him were much weaker. But this is not about him - it's about hitting. My suggestion is to relax, and don't make major changes YET. You know that a hard-hit ground ball gets to the outfield ALMOST as fast as a line drive - and can still find the gaps!

Cheers,

-b-