How to Keep My Son From Moving His Back Foot While Batting

Common baseball batting technique requires the majority of the batter's weight to be on the back foot. Pulling the back foot pushes the weight distribution forward and reduces the batter's power. Teaching kids to firmly plant the back foot provides a strong fundamental technique, but youths with the habit of pulling the foot require special attention. Once the habit develops, it is difficult to break and requires mental determination and physical practice. Pivoting on the back foot is acceptable but the weight must remain in place.

Things You'll Need

  • Bat
  • Baseballs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your child to the baseball field on a day there's no game. The more relaxed setting is ideal for breaking the habit without nerves or fear of failure.

    • 2

      Deliver 10 pitches to your kid while he focuses on breaking the habit. If the foot continues to pull, you must work on his swing in slow motion.

    • 3

      Put your hands on his back foot and hold it in place while the kid executes several half-swings in slow motion. Do not attempt this at full speed because it restricts the foot from pivoting. Focus on weight distribution and make adjustments with each swing to force more weight on the back foot.

    • 4

      Release the foot and practice several full swings in slow motion. The weight should be distributed on the back foot with the slow-motion swings.

    • 5

      Pitch another 10 balls to the kid and monitor the foot. Repeat the slow-motion drill if the problem is not cured. Use as many slow-motion repetitions as possible to develop the habit of keeping the back foot planted.