• Confused about hitting theories?

  • Questions about pitching mechanics?

  • Struggling with confidence?

  • Overwhelmed with misinformation?

  • Looking for new ways to teach?

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Question: I keep hitting ground balls, not line drives. Is there a practice to get better here?

Answer: Try swinging slightly up to lift or elevate the ball the next time you practice. You may be swinging down on the ball, a common symptom with young hitters. With pitches thrown down in the strike zone, a slight upper cut will allow for a better chance to center the ball. Both on the T and during soft-toss, attempt to hit the lower half of the ball and see if that levels the contact points out.

Question: What are some specific guidelines for parents to follow? I coach an 11 year old travel team and am having a hard time coming up with a list of do's and don'ts for parents. I want to accomplish two things: team chemistry and success for all players involved.

Answer: Please check back in two weeks when the Coaches Certification is available.

Question: Should players swim before games? I have heard two different opinions on the matter. One is that their equilibrium will be affected as well as make them overly tired. The other school of thought is that it relaxes players and makes them more prone to success in games due to being relaxed. Which thought is correct?

Answer: The duration of the swim and the type of water, (pool vs. ocean) will affect fatigue. Also, a player's personality is a factor. The overaggressive, "think too much" type may benefit from a relaxing dip while the laid back, reserved player might be negatively affected. Watch the amount of sun and the intensity of the exercise in the water. Lying on a raft or walking through the waves should not affect a healthy young player. Continuous hydration is a must, drink plenty of water if you are in or around the water!!

Question: My son is 10 and has been playing for several years. Unfortunately, he seems to have a very difficult time (with hitting especially). It breaks my heart to watch him strike out time after time and feel so terrible at the end of each game. I try to be as positive as I can and continue to encourage him as much as possible but now he just keeps saying "I know I stink, I should just quit". Do you think your program would help him? I don't want to put him in a situation where he's playing w/ a whole bunch of ace baseball kids and make him feel worse than he already does.

Answer: Confidence along with some personal tips to identify why he is missing could be helpful, it also sends a life message not to give up. You should consider visiting your nearest Frozen Ropes.

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