Short Summary
- Former MLB player Jermaine Curtis discusses three baseball hitting drills for youth players addressing common issues like hitting ground balls, popping the ball up, and missing swings.
- He emphasizes the importance of a stable lower half for achieving a consistent swing, comparing it to the foundation of a house.
- The first drill introduced is the “Aaron Judge drill,” which helps players avoid lunging forward during their swing.
- Players should focus on maintaining their weight on the back leg while striding and swinging to promote balance and stability.
- Curtis shares a success story of a player from his online coaching program who improved balance and confidence through this drill, leading to better performance in tournaments.
- The second drill is the “sidewall drill,” designed for players who tend to cast their swings around the baseball.
- In this drill, players set up in a batting stance beside a wall, practicing dry swings to focus on proper mechanics without the distraction of hitting a ball.
- The goal is to keep the hands inside the body and swing directly to the baseball, avoiding casting which leads to poor contact and ground balls.
- The third drill focuses on timing issues faced by young players, recommending a starter drill that helps them find their timing before actual batting practice.
- Curtis concludes by encouraging viewers to practice these drills to improve their swing consistency and effectiveness before moving on to batting practice.
