The fundamentals of baseball make up the majority of early instruction. When teaching baseball skills like hitting, a step-by-step approach helps the child learn the proper execution. Young children won't have a perfect swing, but they can learn the basics of hitting. This gives them a solid foundation as they become more involved in the sport and work to improve their swing. An enjoyable environment that sets the players up for success is ideal for a young team.
Step 1
Provide a child's bat that is light enough for him to handle easily. A clunky, heavy bat makes it more difficult for the child to hold and swing properly.
Step 2
Demonstrate the proper batting stance, with the knees pointed toward the plate and feet slightly farther than feet-width apart. Knees should be bent. Have the kids practice the batting stance, giving them pointers, as necessary.
Step 3
Hand the child a bat and help him hold it properly with the top set of knuckles on each hand lining up. Help him rotate his hips and shoulders back with the weight, shifting to the back foot to put power behind the swing.
Step 4
Swing the bat while in the proper stance to demonstrate how to hit. Show the swing in slow motion so the kids see how you shift your weight and rotate your hips.
Step 5
Let the kids take practice swings without a ball. Position the kids far enough apart to avoid hitting one another if you are working with several children at once. Walk around giving individual players help with the swing, as necessary.
Step 6
Position a batting tee with a baseball on top in front of one player at home plate. Let the child practice swinging at the ball.
Step 7
Move on to hitting the baseball when pitched if the players won't use a batting tee during games. Provide pointers for individual players to emphasize the basic swing.
Things You'll Need
- Batting tee
- Baseball bats
- Baseballs
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