One-hour team hitting - What would you do?

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Jun 27, 2011
5,089
0
North Carolina
Let's say you're invited go step in for a coach and do a one-hour hitting practice w/ a 14U team of 10 girls. ...

You're not starting them on a program, not introducing anything new unless it's something they can pick up on fairly quickly. It's just a one-time, one-hour workout.

What would you do? Without knowing the players and their specific issues, what do you think are the most beneficial things that a group of 10 can do for one hour of hitting?
 
Apr 26, 2012
32
0
Tee work, tee work and tee work. I'm sure you'll get 7,000 answers and a debate. But you can't go wrong with top hand, bottom hand, walk-thru, ect.....:)
 
Sep 17, 2009
1,637
83
I've talked my way into a couple of similar opportunities within our program, but with younger teams so far -- 10U/12U...so I've given your exact opportunity some thought. At a high level:

1. If they are a fairly experienced, good hitting team (which means they have decent if not perfect mechanics and generally good results) and you really aren't going to get another opportunity to build upon your first visit, do something to challenge them. One idea: zone hitting concepts off a tee (and front-toss if possible): high, low, in, out with targets to hit. Show them some basic concepts of how to hit various locations, then let them figure it out with that guidance and the targets.

2. If their swings aren't great, and you might be able to use this as an opportunity to go deeper with them in the future, plant a "mind bomb." Debunk some common swing myths they may be relying on. Show them some things they might not know: swing as a sequence (maybe using throwing model) vs. positions; importance of and how to coil (forward by coil); etc. etc. Lots of DFP threads to steal from here, but idea would be to show them something so different from what they currently know they beg for more : >

Good luck.
 
Jun 27, 2011
5,089
0
North Carolina
Good suggestions. ... I really like the pitch location thing b/c no matter what level they are, that's a universal issue. ...

What are some key tips or hitting low/high balls? Is it shoulder tilt and busting the myth of level shoulders?
 

marriard

Not lost - just no idea where I am
Oct 2, 2011
4,312
113
Florida
Tee work and more tee work.

My best bet is that at least 1/2 of them still have the issue of dropping hands unless they are a 14-A travel team and even then. So I like to do the 'tee right up next to the fence' drill and make them drive it straight down the fence line. If they hit the fence they are not going straight at the ball. I will even stand behind them (a safe distance) and put a light bat or piece of light wood under their hands so they can't cheat any way either.
 

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