Matt Lisle, head softball coach at Menlo College, explains what the elite (or high-level) swing is and gives some practical tips on how to teach it. Matt also describes what the elite swing is not and discusses other hitting topics.
Plus, Justin Stone of elitebaseball.tv answers the Question Of The Week about what batters should be thinking when they are up to hit. Have your own question? Ask Justin and get an answer!
In this 43-minute episode, you'll learn:
- one significant warning about travel ball for parents
- how you can prove what an elite swing is
- whether "squish the bug" should be taught
- whether teaching to hit grounders is better than teaching to hit popups
- whether teaching "knob to the ball" is correct
- the definition of the high-level swing
- two absolutes in the stance
- two absolutes between the stance and the point of contact
- two absolutes at the point of contact
- how elbows should be working during the swing
- what age is appropriate to teach the elite swing
- what to focus on first with young hitters
- a good drill to use for young hitters and what you're looking for in that drill
- how much your teaching changes from tee ball to coach pitch to kid pitch
- how to help kids with timing issues
- whether to teach mechanics in season or after the season
- if bat weights before an at-bat are helpful or harmful
- if thin hitting sticks as training tools are helpful or harmful
- Matt Lisle's web site
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