*Bottom Short Bat

Goal:

• Learn to use the bottom hand and front elbow properly

Setup:

• Using a short bat (22”) or choke up on normal bat (to top of grip or more)

• Start slightly closer and with a higher than normal tee (to offset the short bat)

Process:

• Start in position 1

• Release top (back) hand

• Swing through ball to extension (with back hand staying behind rear shoulder)

Checkpoints:

• Ball should go straight

• Bat does not necessarily need to rotate past extension.

Notes/Thoughts:

This is a great first drill to get the right feel of the bottom hand and front elbow. The hitter should feel the elbow pull the hand and the hand pulling the bat through contact with strong arm and limited body rotation. At the end, the bat should be pointed to 2^nd basewoman or pitcher.