Don't Squash the Bug!
The photos to the right represent two different eras in major league baseball. Now take a close look at each hitter as he makes contact. The lower half of the body is exactly the same for both hitters. Specifically, the legs and the feet.
The top photo shows Joe DiMaggio hitting a low fast ball, while the lower photo shows Ken Griffey, Jr. hitting a waist-high fastball. Notice the back foot of both hitters. They are on the toes and not on the "ball" of the foot as if squashing a bug. And most power hitter's back foot is completely off the ground at contact. Notice that when a young hitter is taught to |
"squash the bug", the swing usually starts with the hands rather than the hips. And at some point, after contact is made, the hitter rotates the back foot, thinking that the hips were used properly, when in fact, they weren't used at all.
Teach hitters to start the swing with the hips, and not the hands. Don't teach "squash the bug", rather focus on drills that will help them understand how to use the hips properly. You will see an immediate increase in bat speed resulting in increased power.
Teach hitters to start the swing with the hips, and not the hands. Don't teach "squash the bug", rather focus on drills that will help them understand how to use the hips properly. You will see an immediate increase in bat speed resulting in increased power.
Shop With Our Affiliates: Amazon.com | Ebay.com | Groupon.com
JEC Baseball Info receives a small commission from any product that you purchase from our affiliates, when you click through the links provided on this site. I like using this model because it doesn't add any extra costs or fees to your purchases. The commission helps to offset the time and cost of maintaining and supporting the site. Thanks for visiting this page.
By using this website, you agree to the Privacy Policy, and Disclosure.
Click here to read how to Support This Site at no additional cost to you!