Time to post my DD

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Apr 16, 2013
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I haven't posted her on a public site in years and have only trusted one man to suggest any big changes. Since we're new to the softball world I figure it's time to introduce her and her swing. She's swinging her new bat here, thanks to Core. It's a slowpitch bat, 34/26 so in fastpitch range, but with a heavy end load that she loves. Seems there aren't any fastpitch bats that really do end loaded. Plus, they're cheaper. :)

This is Carissa, 14u ('03). First fastpitch game will be this weekend. She's not swinging hard here, just taking BP. My personal critique or thought is that she needs to turn the barrel harder/sooner. She'd be able to let the ball travel a little deeper. https://youtu.be/nO_4seB6NKI
 

rdbass

It wasn't me.
Jun 5, 2010
9,131
83
Not here.
tumblr_p5yp9hadoW1usf292o1_400.gif

What 'loads unloads' comes to mind. This is what it looks like when a hitter slots the elbow instead of 'turns the barrel IMHO. It looks like your DD needs to learn to use her hands to turn the barrel. Hands look like there along for the ride of shoulder rotation. Another hitter that leaves a lot of power on the table. Again JMHO.
 
Apr 16, 2013
1,113
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I pretty much agree with you RD. I've felt, for quite a while, that she's missing a lot of wrist usage. They seem pretty stuck until just before she makes contact. She could let the ball travel deeper and hit it plenty hard if she unlocked those wrists.
 

rdbass

It wasn't me.
Jun 5, 2010
9,131
83
Not here.
she's missing a lot of wrist usage.
Hand usage will loosen up them wrist and forearms. Your DD looks stiff. Seems to be going through the motions. I'd do some hands only swings. Needs to learn to feel the bat in her hands. I do think your DD can have a really good/powerfully swing.
She could let the ball travel deeper and hit it plenty hard if she unlocked those wrists
I wouldn't be concern with this. Hit the ball where it's pitched.
I'll add needs to step out of her comfort zone to loosen up with that shoulder rotation.
 
Last edited:
Jan 6, 2009
6,588
113
Chehalis, Wa
posture15b.jpgposture15a.jpg

This isn't an absolute, I've seen hitters who lean back. Although I prefer to see an "attack" posture, head more over the front hip and not over the back hip.

The line in Correa's swing is what you normally see. Run the line through the back leg and the posture should match the line, attack posture.
 
Last edited:
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
View attachment 12748View attachment 12749

This isn't an absolute, I've seen hitters who lean back. Although I prefer to see an "attack" posture, head more over the front hip and not over the back hip.

The line in Correa's swing is what you normally see. Run the line through the back leg and the posture should match the line, attack posture.

This really highlights what RDB said. Everything - head, front shoulder, rear knee - are turned back so they can be turned forward.

I would suggest starting by having her adjust how she uses her rear leg during this phase. Keep the knee from turning backwards, creating tension/resistance in the upper leg and hip.
 
Sep 17, 2009
1,637
83
A couple of practical suggestions to get at what is being described above. Turn her rear foot in, that will solidify the leg and she'll begin to feel how a posted leg accepts coiling around it (rather than over/past it). Second, as she loads the upper, don't let her belly button move/rotate back with her hands. Again, it will help her feel the coil and rag ring tighten. Those will be new feelings for her, she'll start to feel resistance and coil she hasn't before.
 
Apr 16, 2013
1,113
83
Ok, here's a swing from today, solely concentrating on getting the torque out of that rear leg. I didn't even notice she went to no stride. That's her "Pujols" style swing. I think she needs a wider stance if she's going to use that style, but just concentrating on the rear leg anyways so here ya go: https://youtu.be/XVkPxpy5Ua0

We worked on this years ago, hadn't even noticed she'd started collapsing that rear knee.
 
Feb 7, 2013
3,188
48
tumblr_p5yp9hadoW1usf292o1_400.gif

What 'loads unloads' comes to mind. This is what it looks like when a hitter slots the elbow instead of 'turns the barrel IMHO. It looks like your DD needs to learn to use her hands to turn the barrel. Hands look like there along for the ride of shoulder rotation. Another hitter that leaves a lot of power on the table. Again JMHO.

I like what I see, the only constructive criticism is she seems to pull "off the ball" after contact instead of getting full extension.
 

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