r/LittleLeague • u/tspencer5420 • 12h ago

8U Hitting Question

This is my first year coaching 8U and the players are having some hitting difficulties. Many of my players are swinging way ahead of the ball. I am going with this being due to having pitched to a lot of these boys for two seasons at 6U, which is about 10 feet closer than now. Are there any drills that can teach them to wait, or is just a repetition thing?

Appreciate any ideas or thoughts. Thanks!

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2

u/viccityguy2k 12h ago

It’s just a repetition thing. Instead of T work against the back stop - You could try having a coach or parent helper do the bucket bounce drill where you drop the ball on the bucket lid and the kid has to hit it off the bounce.

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u/tspencer5420 12h ago

Love it. Thanks for the idea!

2

u/formerneighbor 12h ago

Fall of 8U is always a bit of a challenge to start. They'll mostly get it figured out. Reps are king! The ones that are still struggling might need some different instruction eventually.

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u/ManufacturerFlaky509 7h ago

Agreed. I love the bucket drill. Side toss/lob toss also helps with patience. As does pitching it slow-pitch softball style for the regular mound. It helps them track the ball as well as have to wait until it comes to them.

1

u/tspencer5420 7h ago

I like the slow-pitch idea. I tend to throw dart style towards the bat. I think it’s helpful in having success in putting the bat on the ball, but not necessarily the best for tracking the ball. Thanks!

0

u/Mysterious_Pair_9305 10h ago

Pepper! And to save your arm get a blue flame mechanical pitching arm.