How to fix the dreaded "Butt Out" disease?

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sluggers

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Staff member
May 26, 2008
7,132
113
Dallas, Texas
There are a lot of kids who stick their rear end out during the release phase of the pitch.

Any suggestions on how to fix it?
 
Dec 5, 2012
4,143
63
Mid West
Use the verbal que "crack a nut"... like in hitting.
This will force her to stabilize her entire core if the nut REALLY gets cracked. It's almost impossible to do this while bent over.
Secondly, double check that she's not staying too open. As you know she must close off to an approx. 45 degree angle to achieve brush. Typically the butt is out in an effort to avoid brush.
In a nut shell....
1. reinforce resistance in the front leg, hips, and core
2. promote brush contact.
3. promote adduction of the legs (toe to heel)

Hope this helps, James
 
Last edited:
Nov 29, 2009
2,975
83
I tell them to stop Monkey Butt'n It. Another que I use with the young ones is to tell them they have to keep their brain above their butt.

There are two things I use to help re-enforce standing tall. The first is place a 5 gal bucket in front of them. (RHP) from the open position I will have them place their left on the bucket with their leg extended. Side of the foot on the bucket. I tell them to put 90% of their weight on the back leg. The front leg is just to help stabilize them. Then have them do full circles with the arm. This forces them to keep their butt in and stay tall. If they lean they fall off of the bucket.

This works a hard floor. Instead of a bucket place a ball to their left side. They must put the left foot on the ball in the arch of the foot. The distance is close enough they can stand on the back leg and place the left foot on the ball. Then throw the ball using full circles. If they lean the left foot comes off of the ball and they lose their balance.

I have them do the drills until they are feeling comfortable with it. Then I make the make them do them with their eyes closed.

The thing you have to remind them of is these are not speed drills. They should throw the ball with confidence, but not try to hit 100%. You'll find as they gain confidence in keeping their balance they will throw the ball harder. The back leg will tire. So be sure to give them breaks when they need it.
 
Sep 29, 2014
2,421
113
I liked a couple weeks ago somebody used a "grow taller" cue as you plant if your grow taller you can't stick you back end out and bend your upper half over because all those things make you shorter.
 
Nov 12, 2013
417
18
maritimes
my youngest has her butt out a bit because she gets turned too much and has to stick it out for the ball to get by. trying rp's split/jump/drive to help fix.
 
Jun 18, 2012
3,183
48
Utah
I believe that SOME of the problem is in popping the hips open so forcefully that they don't recover from it and the hips stay open. These pitchers seem to be those who have their stride foot pointed more toward third than home at landing.

In my opinion, I think the hips pop open plenty (if allowed to) on their own as a result of an explosive leg-drive. So, I say, JUST ALLOW THE HIPS TO OPEN RATHER THAN FORCEFULLY POP THEM OPEN. At the same time, focus a bit on not allowing the stride knee to rotate all the way to pointing toward third.

Of course, another reason for "butt out" at release is the pitcher learned early on that she DIDN'T want to whack her hip with her arm. It is sooooo nice to get to start fresh with a pitcher who has never been exposed to some of the poor instruction that is out there.
 
Last edited:
Jul 22, 2015
851
93
I use the cue "grow taller" when your front foot touches to prevent bending over and the butt going out. Also, what Doug said. I think it can be from trying too hard to get open instead of just letting it happen. Tell her to try a few pitches without allowing her hips to open at all. She won't really be able to so it, but it may show her she was opening too soon/trying to hard prior to that.
 
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