Fixing the #1 Issue for Youth Hitters

BAT BETWEEN THE FEET DRILL

Help your hitters understand hip hinge and keep their back foot connected throughout the swing.

Is your young hitter struggling to stay balanced at the plate? Are they having trouble making solid contact, or do their hits always seem foul or weak to one side? These are common problems for hitters aged 8-14, and the good news is there’s a drill that can help fix them! The Bat Between the Feet Drill is one of the best ways to solve these hitting problems by teaching better posture, balance, and direction in the swing. It helps young hitters use their body correctly to get more power, more line drives, and fewer weak or foul balls. 

Here’s how the drill works:

• Get Set Up: Have your hitter stand in their regular stance with a bat standing upright between their feet (it should be about half their height). This setup helps them focus on keeping their body aligned and stable.
• Build Stronger Posture: As they prepare to swing, they’ll focus on loading their hips correctly and staying balanced, which is key for better posture and more consistent hits.
• Keep Direction and Control: One of the biggest mistakes young hitters make is swinging out of control or losing balance. This drill helps them maintain good direction so they can stay on the ball longer and hit it squarely into the field of play—leading to more base hits!
• Gain More Power: By teaching hitters to use their legs and hips properly, this drill helps them generate more power without losing balance or swinging too early. That means fewer pop-ups and more solid, powerful contact.