I am new to the Forum and will be coaching my daughter's 8U team this spring. I am looking for good references on how to teach the proper softball swing. Some of the girls on the team, are just learning how to swing and I want to ensure I teach them correctly and don't mess them up for future success. Any and all suggestions are welcome.
Hitting
- Thread starter Fig19608
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- Feb 7, 2013
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I would keep it very simple with 7 and 8YOs:
Grip - slightly off-set
Stance - good balanced set-up
Bat angle - start with bat on back shoulder creating an upside down "V" with arms and move it slightly off shoulder with knob of bat towards catcher
Swing - make sure they use their lower body to start the swing. At this age they may try to swing the bat with their arms and shoulders only. Hip turn should be encouraged (but don't say "squish the bug" or "level swing"!)
Extension - make sure they follow through the ball, not just hit the ball
**make sure you don't kill their natural athleticism by making it too complicated at 8u. They have plenty of time to refine the swing over the years.
Grip - slightly off-set
Stance - good balanced set-up
Bat angle - start with bat on back shoulder creating an upside down "V" with arms and move it slightly off shoulder with knob of bat towards catcher
Swing - make sure they use their lower body to start the swing. At this age they may try to swing the bat with their arms and shoulders only. Hip turn should be encouraged (but don't say "squish the bug" or "level swing"!)
Extension - make sure they follow through the ball, not just hit the ball
**make sure you don't kill their natural athleticism by making it too complicated at 8u. They have plenty of time to refine the swing over the years.
