Fixing Low Batlift and Poor Mindset
I see this all the time in my coaching. Kids who are scared of getting out and develop a technique which reflects it. A defence first mindset will always create a low bat lift and a short jabby swing at the ball.
The first shift
This first shift they need to make is mental. We need young players who are prepared to hit the ball hard first and defend the ball as the second option. This is achieved in 2 different ways.
Number 1: Our Messaging
The messaging with young batters is crucial. If we want them to hit the ball hard and to develop rhythm, we need to change our language and focus less on the mistakes and more on the successes. Hitting the ball harder is naturally going to result in more errors.
Number 2: A rebuilding of skills
The second part of this is to begin to recondition the players skillset. We need to focus on getting rhythm in their swings. Getting the hands higher, working more together and building rhythm and power.
To get you moving in the right direction and progressing, I have developed a set of activities that I use with players who are struggling with this issue. Each video explains the drill and gives you insight around the focuses that I use within them. All of these activities are about developing a full swing of the bat. This is a crucial starting point because it is a more natural way to teach players to swing and move. We then refine this as we progress and reintroduce the check swing once they are swinging back and through properly.
Activity 1
Full Swing Drop Feeds
Simple activity for the first one. The focus is on getting the swing to be natural and working back and through aggressively in one motion.
Activity 2
Skip Down Full Swing Drop Feeds
This activity is a great one to introduce early because it gets their bodies naturally engaging in the swing and momentum through the ball.
Activity 3
Underarms Spin Balance Holds
This activity expands on the previous one. Underarms both with a skip and without a skip are the next natural progression. Incorporate a balance focus to challenge the strength and positioning of the player.
Activity 4
Midwicket 6 Hits
This is a great activity for teaching players to swing freely. Midwicket is the most natural direction to hit the ball and therefore it’s a great way to get players committing through the ball.
Activity 5
Spin Throws Straight
Spin throws are a great progression to getting players to swing the bat properly. Once again, we are encouraging them to hit the ball straight and hard.
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