Difference in swings.....

MacLobo said:

I'm thinking one thing that could help is standing behind them while they're hitting off the machine and giving them verbal cues to help timing/sequence. Basically just stand back there and say "load, stride, explode..."

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Gags said:

I'd simplify this even further. If you're giving them 3 commands for each pitch, you now have to time your own commands with the machine, and hope the player reacts in a consistent enough timeframe to be on time with the pitch.

Consider just telling them to "start moving earlier" or "get started earlier". You don't have to go all "Newtonian" on them with the explanation, but even something as slight as a simple weight shift or rock backwards gets them in motion before the pitch (which also encourages the Yes-Yes-No approach). I think we need to let them figure out the "explode" part of the swing on their own, and believe this is infinitely easier for them once they realize they need to start moving earlier.

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MacLobo said:

I agree with the part about not barking 3 commands. Maybe I'll cut to to 1 now, and just use the "load" command to get them started.

In my experience with 8U last year (and a bit this year) when the girls are late, telling them start a little earlier has been little to no help. I usually get the "ok" with no change, as they're too reactionary...or I get the girl that swings as soon as the ball pops out of the machine, and she's in her follow through as the ball crosses the plate.

I think giving them a solid queue as to when to start should help. Practice at 5:15 tonight, so we'll see how it goes! Might work some bunting in tonight as well to help the girls with timing. Haven't touched on that yet, so could be interesting!

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