Bad Hand Path and Bad Swing Plane

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A bad hand path refers to the hitter not getting his hands on plane with the pitch for the optimum distance. For instance, you’ve probably heard many coaches tell you, “Swing level.” Well that is almost impossible unless the pitch is up by your chest. If you start your hands in the proper position (and don't drop your hands), a level swing will hit that pitch well. However, that pitch is not a strike (I hope). What the hitter is striving for is to be level with the pitch (on plane), not the swing.

A pitch in the strike zone will require the hitter to start his swing in a downward path with his hands. This is not to say that swinging down is proper, but it is to a point. The initial path of the hands is down to the path of the pitch, and then up to finish or follow through. This creates the flat swing plane and the most consistent contact zone with the barrel. Consider this, the ball is traveling on a downward path to the plate, whether by gravity or height of the mound. A level, downward or severe uppercut swing will intersect the ball during a shorter period of time than the swing with a slight upper cut. Hence, the hitters timing has to be more precise.

The swing plane can also be affected by poor body mechanics or a poor follow through. For instance, if the hitter’s hands get too far out in front of his body, he will create a more downward path with his swing and more of a “check mark” swing if he finishes in the proper spot. Pay attention to the hips and get them started. If the hitter’s front side flies open too early (hips and shoulders) his swing will be more of an “uppercut” swing. Pay attention to his hands and get them started.

In both cases, balance is an issue. With a more downward path, the weight will be more on the front foot. With more of an uppercut path, the weight will be more on the back foot. Balance. Watch for it.

Quick Fix Drills

1. High tee drill: Place the ball on the tee about belt high or slightly higher. Instruct hitter to hit line drives and finish high.
2. One handed bottom hand/top hand tee drill: Have the hitter choke up on the bat to the top of the grip with bottom hand/top hand only, stand a little closer to the ball to adjust for shorter bat length, put off hand across stomach and out of the way, and just work on one handed swings, paying attention to your hand path.
3. Two tee drill: Place two standard tees back to back with flat sides touching and both tees at the same height. Have hitter line up to hit front tee with front foot right behind ball of front tee. Hitter must hit both balls off the tees.

For a hitter to get the feel of a proper swing, just having him swing the bat back and forth (hands from back shoulder to front shoulder, front shoulder to back shoulder, repeat) while looking in the mirror or have someone watching from in front of him can help. The plane that the bat creates should be flat and at about a 45 degree angle.