Some lucky fans caught up with Coach Maccani on our trip to Georgia for the Atlanta Challenge for some pre-game batting practice. See video above with demonstration and instruction.
This month Major League Baseball is starting back up and in the Midwest, we’re getting spring fever. Baseball is right around the corner and many youngsters are picking up a bat and glove for the first time. Whether it’s your first season or your 20th, good luck!
In this post, I want to talk about a drill I learned in high school that I frequently use with the college guys at UC. We call it “Happy” after the movie Happy Gilmore. This is a great drill for warming up off the tee or for a hitter to feel their momentum through the loading process. While it is a little different than our typical stance and swing, it is an important drill to feel the right moves during the load.
The hitter should start with his feet together, behind the batter’s box, looking out to the pitcher. Start the move with a small step forward with the front foot followed by a step BEHIND with the back foot (I have seen players do this, stepping in front – the step behind is key to feeling a coil in the hips…). The step behind should put the hitter in the same spot as a their normal stance. At this point, a good cue is for the hitter to keep his hands over his back foot as he strides. Continue through to striding with the front foot and swing.
Some coaching cues include:
- Look out to the pitcher
- Start with the bat on the shoulder
- Drive a knuckleball through the back of the net
- Finish with your back to the plate
- Hold your finish
Try this off the TEE, FLIPS or BATTING PRACTICE!
Have fun!!