14yo Maddie

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May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
The journey continues from this thread...https://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-hitting-practical/32582-13yo-maddie.html

I don't think that the swings posted here are ideal, nor do they represent all of what I believe is included in an "elite" swing. There are still areas for improvement in her mechanics. That said, she is a consistent and powerful hitter who continues to prove herself against challenging competition. As much as anything, this series of threads is about documenting Maddie's progress, and hopefully it can help someone else in their own journey.

As I stated in the previous threads, I'm not necessarily looking for "help". I'm comfortable with the progress she's making, and the coaching she's currently getting. That said, I welcome input and comments about her swing, and things you're seeing - good or bad.

A few hits from this past weekend's games...
 
Last edited:
Jul 29, 2013
6,782
113
North Carolina
Thanks. IMO, she tends to be a bit too much "around" her body, rather than "out from", with extension finishing towards the dugout instead of the SS.

I can see your point, but I also see what looks like 3 different pitch locations and she got to and barreled up all 3 spots! Of course we all love fundamental / mechanical perfection, the hitter who really swings around their body and shortens the bat on outside pitches is a super common problem, I didn't see that at all with Maddie. In fact when we work on extension, sometimes I have to tell Anna she's being a little too mechanical or too technical and to just release that barrel after contact! I love to see a girl finish that swing, I tell our girls we ain't bunting......unless we're bunting! Maddie's going to be a great hitter!
 
Apr 16, 2013
1,113
83
Eric, I'm still learning and "feeling" things out. The only kid I've ever given any "advice" to is my DD, and 90% of that come from what SwingBuilder has worked with me on. So take this with a grain of salt. The only thing that sticks out to me is how her rear elbow stays kinda glued to her side and her hands remain kinda "low" and "tucked". I know how this "feels" in my mind and how something is missing.

My son is a literal math genius. He can look at a problem and just know the answer. Yet asking him to break things down and explain how he gets that answer is a whole 'nother subject all together. That's kind of how I feel here. (No, I'm not a genius nor do I claim to be a pro in swing mechanics!) I feel she's missing some amount of accelerating and turning the barrel with this.

That being said, I LOVE her mechanics from the hips down. The power is there, and maybe it's plenty enough for her level and the next levels. I also don't want this thread to be a breakdown of her mechanics. That's what the technical forum is for. Of all the girls I see every weekend, she's in the top 95%. I wish so many of our girls (my DD's team) could get some of these concepts and that a solid baseball swing is the same as a solid softball swing. I have a feeling we'll be watching Maddie some day on ESPN. :)
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Eric, I'm still learning and "feeling" things out. The only kid I've ever given any "advice" to is my DD, and 90% of that come from what SwingBuilder has worked with me on. So take this with a grain of salt. The only thing that sticks out to me is how her rear elbow stays kinda glued to her side and her hands remain kinda "low" and "tucked". I know how this "feels" in my mind and how something is missing.

My son is a literal math genius. He can look at a problem and just know the answer. Yet asking him to break things down and explain how he gets that answer is a whole 'nother subject all together. That's kind of how I feel here. (No, I'm not a genius nor do I claim to be a pro in swing mechanics!) I feel she's missing some amount of accelerating and turning the barrel with this.

That being said, I LOVE her mechanics from the hips down. The power is there, and maybe it's plenty enough for her level and the next levels. I also don't want this thread to be a breakdown of her mechanics. That's what the technical forum is for. Of all the girls I see every weekend, she's in the top 95%. I wish so many of our girls (my DD's team) could get some of these concepts and that a solid baseball swing is the same as a solid softball swing. I have a feeling we'll be watching Maddie some day on ESPN. :)

For Maddie, the low rear elbow helps. With this setup she has less tendency to push her hands away from her rear shoulder, which creates problems with her swing. She's quicker, and way more consistent in squaring up the ball. It's not something I recommend for all hitters, but for her, it works.

Thanks for your kind words.
 
Jun 8, 2016
16,118
113
Looking good Eric!! Tell her to keep up the hard work...(you don't have say some random guy on the internet said it..that might get a weird look...)
 
Oct 2, 2017
2,283
113
The journey continues from this thread...https://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-hitting-practical/32582-13yo-maddie.html

I don't think that the swings in this thread are ideal, nor do they represent all of what I believe is included in an "elite" swing. There are still areas for improvement in her mechanics. That said, she is a consistent and powerful hitter who continues to prove herself against challenging competition. As much as anything, this series of threads is about documenting Maddie's progress, and hopefully it can help someone else in their own journey.

As I stated in the previous threads, I'm not necessarily looking for "help". I'm comfortable with the progress she's making, and the coaching she's currently getting. That said, I welcome input and comments about her swing, and things you're seeing - good or bad.

A few hits from this past weekend's games...


Looks great to me! I have no input.
 
Mar 23, 2014
621
18
SoCal
She looks so strong!!! It’s great to see her hitting growth and power.
My only input.....I’d love to see her get more on toe from back leg, thus allowing more power transfer at contact. It’s been my peeve with DD....so sorry about my myoptic view. Bottom line..... she looks really good. Keep up the good work
 
Apr 23, 2014
389
43
East Jabib
DD does the same step back step forward with the front foot. Must be a timing thing. Works for them both


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