Swing Theory

Initial Swing Concept Theory

Good series progression with angle concepts and language we use

I'm not a big fan of connection ball drills but it's not a bad tool for some.

Perfect drill for connecting the whole swing "behind the ball." He doesn't use that language, but does well to show the whole concept in a couple of minutes with a drill that can be done nearly anywhere.

This drill helps us create a deep turn that accelerates the barrel early and keeps us in the path of the ball longer. The first set or the first few reps need to be completed at a lower intensity to "feel" the swing.

Don't mind my finger; I'm not the best cameraman. This drill needs to be practiced with a game-speed swing. We always use it on our designated "Only Go Yard" days in the cage. Falling toward the back corner of the plate is acceptable.

This drill teaches a compression of the back side behind the ball by giving the player that "feel." It also teaches the appropriate knob path through the load to the swing (often referred to as "the corner").

This is what that player looked like on the third set when they started to master the feel of the drill. Notice the weight shift in the feet through the swing. Also, look at the bend in the waist and barrel path created by hand snap.

This drill is perfect for allowing the player to feel how the trunk creates stretch and stores potential torque energy at foot strike (stride). The cues for this drill are foot strike on the bounce, hips should be slightly open while shoulders close in the opposite direction, then snap to swing.

On a knee, feeling of full separation between front foot and top hand, abbreviated finish to emphasize hand snap to barrel path