How to Coach Hitting for Little League Baseball

Coaching young baseball players to hit a baseball is one of the most challenging things that we can be asked to do as a coach. Often, these kids are very small and have trouble holding a bat properly. Sometimes, the kids are just starting out in Little League having never played the game of baseball before. For every natural hitter, there are five that struggle with the concept and execution. Here is a great step by step guide on how to coach them all to hit, and hit well.

The first key is to get their strength up. A baseball player that has trouble holding the bat up high will have a devil of a time trying to swing it accurately at a little baseball. Having said that, you must build the strength of your little league baseball team. The best exercise for this is actually swinging the bat. Spread the players out all over the field (at wide intervals) and swing. Instruct them to pretend they are swinging at a pitch. Walk around and make corrections and encourage them.

Coaching a Little League player to hit also involves getting them over their fear of the baseball. This is common to almost every single young ball player and can be overcome with exposure. Eventually every baseball player will get hit with the ball. Explain that it is a normal part of the game and not to worry. Encourage them to step up to the plate and keep their head in. Make certain that every little league player gets plenty of swings. Repetition is the key to success.

Another excellent little league baseball drill is to line them up for hitting at the fence. Grab a bag of baseballs and toss them up for the hitter. The hitter can then practice their bat speed by driving the balls into the fence. This is the easiest and quickest way to increase contact in a little league hitter.

Coach them that stepping into the pitch and following all the way through the swing is vital. Keep the bat level and drive through the baseball each and every time. Regardless of how often the batter misses, they should keep the basics and fundamentals intact. Never give up on the little league player that struggles as confidence is fragile at this young age.