I saw a kids’ baseball game and was reminded that I never understood why most of them have their elbow raised so high (e.g., right elbow for right-handed batters). They are obviously being taught this by their coaches. Certainly a batter should not have both elbows pointing down to the ground, and the rear elbow should be raised somewhat, but I don’t understand what this exaggerated position where the elbow is raised higher than the hands does to enhance batting skill.
What gives?
Try it yourself. Swing a bat ( or pretend) with your elbow held against your side. Try again with your elbow up. You get a much more powerful swing when you can extend your arms.
It’s just a dumb coaching bromide. Your elbow rises to the proper position during the load phase of the swing anyway; it doesn’t matter how you start as long as your arms are relaxed.
I don’t really know, but possibly it’s to get the bat off the shoulder where kids may tend to rest it.
Well, it matters if a player is a little slow to react or read the pitch - you don’t want to waste much time getting into your swing from your stance. If your elbows are down, you have to bring them up to swing with any power.
It simplifies and quickens the swing. For young children you’re not at the point that you want to complicate the swing action - you’re not worried about load and weight transfer, you just want them to learn to swing the bat level and hit the ball. One the young boy or girl has experience and starts to demonstrate some proficiency you can start to get into more advanced mechanics.
It’s kind of like giving a young golfer the advice that s/he should follow through on the swing after contact. Of course you technically do not need to do that, but it’s advice that helps build the right habits.
The elbow up/down debate is strong in little league. If you watch MLB hitters, yes almost all of them start with their elbow up. But for kids, it’s more important to get the basics down, which are get your hands out in front and see the ball. I suspect a lot of kids’ coaches are saying “elbow up!” without really knowing why they’re saying that.
For very young kids I tell them to get the elbow up because it helps get the bat in a loaded position at the start of the swing. Otherwise they invariably start their swing by moving the bat backwards and the ball is past them by the time they even start the bat moving forward.
By the time they’re about 6 1/2 or 7 they’re ready to start learning a better swing complete with correct weight transfer, head position, & cet… Unfortunately, you’re right that many coaches continue the “get the elbow up” long being when it’s useful and it results in a poor swing that’s only good for hitting weak grounders.
OP again.
I don’t really dispute having the elbow in a somewhat raised position; it’s the exaggerated elbow-higher-than-hands that I am wondering about. It feels unnatural when I try it, and also seems counter to the relaxed position cited above. Does it really add any power to the swing?
When you say elbow above the hands, I think of Darryl Strawberry. His stance is the most pronounced version of what you’re describing that I can think of. Here is a picture.
http://image.invaluable.co.uk/housePhotos/EzbarterbidLLC/75/570975/H15512-L77883079.jpg
I think they want to start with their hands low so they don’t drop them during their swing, resulting in a pop up. I don’t like it, I agree it’s uncomfortable, and I would hope a coach is only suggesting this as a drastic measure to Willie Mays Hayes, who hits nothing but infield pop ups.
Isn’t the uncomfortable aspect of it the whole point?
Especially with young kids, the problem is that they get up to the plate and find a comfortable position. Shoulders slough down, they cock their hips, the bat’s weight is held by their joints. Then it costs them a fraction of a second to perk up and get the bat moving.
Because there is no comfortable elbow-up position, they’re guaranteed to be carrying the bat’s weight in a position that’s ready to start swinging immediately.
And, jebert, I don’t think anyone is saying the elbow-up position is there to increase power. What we’re all saying is that it’s there to increase readiness. Once you can reliably connect with the ball, then you can start working on power.
If you’re looking for good baseball fundamentals, you need look no farther the one Hunter Pence.
Depends on the angle of the swing. A rear elbow level to the shoulder will result in a level swing, which is generally better for children as they do not have the strength for other types of swings (inside-out, scoop, pull, etc.) This also produces more line drives and less pop-ups. Statistically, a line drive is the highest percentage hit: one that goes over the infielders but bounces in front of the outfielders.
But, their hands are above their elbow. **jebert **is asking about raising the elbow above the hands. You won’t find many guys who start like that. Strawberry is the only one I could think of.
Both of those guys in your pictures are pretty much wrapping, which I actually think is a comfortable way to start with your elbow up.
