Posted by: Graylon (g_dunc@hotmail.com) on Mon Nov 5 09:56:54 2007

> > I'm having a hard time getting my son to swing with his hip. His hands are leading the swing. How can I get him to start his hip first?
> >
> > Thanks
>
> Hi,
>
> It's really hard to make the transition from linear hitter to rotational hitter and takes lot of practice. I suggest to begin by just learning to rotate your hips without using your hand to get an idea. Once you masters rotating your hips try making swings by rotating your hips and instantly after rotating the hips leading the bottom hand to the ball. Remember to direct your hand to the ball right after beginning to rotate the hips. I learn it like this and hope it helps you.

Hi,

One suggestion might be to have your son take a fairly wide stance that is slightly open(front toe inline with arch of back foot). Have him get his hands near his armpit area and turn his lead shoulder down and in, as his hips start to open. Make sure that his back knee moves forward and down(do not "squish" the bug). The back elbow should be slotted and the lead elbow worked up. If he resists his hips rotation with his shoulders he will feel a stretch. While this is happening you will see the barrel being sent rearward in the direction of the catcher. The hips will ultimately win out and the shoulders will rotate and the barrel will be sent forward into the "hit zone".

I question the statement from Leonel a little. Knowing that it is hard to put into words exactly what you mean, I question the fact that if you just rotate your hips and take your hands to the ball this will create a good rotational swing. If you take your hands to the ball you will ultimately end up reaching and "feeling" for the ball and getting jammed more often then not.