Dropping the Barrel of the Bat or Leading With Rear Elbow

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This sometimes gets coupled with the dropping of the hands and more often times than not can be a strength issue with younger kids. They just do not possess the top hand strength to utilize their top hand properly. They get into a strong hitting position, then wham, as they start their swing, the barrel drops, the rear elbow leads the hands and they pull the bat through with their shoulders causing a poor swing plane, under-utilizing the top hand. What I want to do as a hitting coach is get them to feel that top hand working.

Quick Fix Drills

1. Top hand only tee drill: Have hitter grip bat at the top of the rubber grip with his top hand only for better control. Off arm goes across the stomach and out of the way. Stand a little closer to the tee to adjust for now shorter bat length. Take swings ensuring hitter keeps top hand up by back shoulder.
2. Pull side tee drill: Place tee about 12”-18” in front of hitters front foot (adjust for arm length of hitter) and right off the inside corner of the plate. Instruct hitter to hit the ball directly to the pull side or down the line. The only way for the hitter to hit the ball down the line is to utilize his top hand.
3. Bat on the shoulder drill:  Hitter will stand with bat resting on his shoulder and hands at chest level. Hitter will start his swing from that position. Do not let hitter take bat off shoulder before starting his swing. Hitter’s hands are already pre-positioned in front of rear elbow.