Hitting Instructions

1. Select the right bat. This is real important to the player. Sometimes the young player may like a bat because of the color or art. That is great but make sure that your young player can handle the bat. Make sure it is not too heavy or light. The ways bats are measured are by the length of the bat minus the weight. So for example a 30 inch bat that weighs 20 ounces would be a -10 Make sure you know the rules of the league that you are in. Ask your Coach or Commissioner. For instance 12 and under AAU \Ripken allows bats that are 2 and ¾ thick in diameter but little league only allows 2 and ¼ so they would not allow a player to use that thickness in Little League until they are on the 13-14 team. I see it this way

Tee Ball 16 ounce bat with minus 10 or 11

Machine Pitch -12.5 ounce

Minor (9-10 yr old) 10-12 ounce

Major (11-12 year old) 10-12 ounce unless in AAU or Ripken and then you can use 2 and 5/8 or 2and ¾ and I would try to stay at a minus 8 to 8.5 so if you had a 29 inch bat it would weigh between 20.5 and 21

13 year olds -I would encourage to play with -5 (if your player can swing it without dropping down on the swing) or -7

14-15 year old should play with -5 bats

High School players of all ages have to play -3 bats that are approved for high school

2. Use the correct grip-You want knuckle to knuckle not fist to fist-do not squeeze the bat
3. Stance feet spread a little more than shoulder width bat held comfortable in hands. Do not bend the bat around the back. Try not to have much bat movement
4. Load up-shift weight to back foot pull hands back just above chest to back shoulder level
5. Rotate and pivot on back foot and shift weight to the front foot. See diagram
6. Follow thru and keep both hands on the bat.

Rotational Swing

The rotational swing is a three-part motion. First you shift your weight back, then stride, then swing. Transfer your weight back as you rotate your front hip in toward the plate. Then stride toward the pitcher and swing. Extend your arms as you swing through the contact zone.

"Rotate your front hip toward the plate to build up energy, and then let that energy translate into a powerful swing."

Step 1
	Start in the batting stance Shift your weight toward your back foot Turn your front shoulder toward the plate Bring the bat back to prepare for the swing Rotate your front hip in toward the plate Keep your knees bent and flexible
Step 2
	Bring your arms back Step forward 2 to 6 inches toward the pitcher Angle your stride foot between 0 and 45° to the plate Open your stride foot in the direction of the field as you step forward
Step 3
	Shift your weight forward to your front foot Rotate your body toward the pitcher Rotate your hips and your hands Keep your head still Keep your eyes on the ball throughout the swing
Step 4
	Extend your arms Drive the bat forward to meet the ball Keep your bottom hand facing down Keep your top hand facing up Swing all the way through the ball for maximum extension Keep your eyes and shoulders level