I often come across videos that say they’re about training one thing, but in fact focus on something different. Sometimes I even see the description say one thing and the content say another.
The text in the video clearly says this drill is about hitter timing and staying behind the ball. As you can see, however, the comment on the video first talks about staying behind the ball. Then it adds timing and “hitter form”, which is pretty ambiguous. Finally, it says, “The KEY 🔐 to this drill is using your backswing to get up quick.”
If the key is the backswing, then that sounds like you’re really focusing on that part of the approach mechanics. No issue there, if that is in fact what you’re looking to help the player with. Likewise, starting on a knee may generally facilitate players developing a more explosive approach. Maybe.
I don’t see how the knee thing relates to timing or staying behind the ball, though. Timing is about judging ball flight and linking it to the speed of both your approach and your arm swing. Ideally, you’re trying to maximize both. Staying behind the ball is about spacing.
The video doesn’t mention anything about spacing (maybe it was done off camera??). You do hear a comment about starting the approach at the ball’s peak. First, that’s very prescriptive and specific. It’s not a timing that works for all situations.
Second, if you watch the coach closely, she actually starts her approach while the ball is still rising. So this is another example of a coach saying one thing, while what’s actually happening is another – like in this one.
Also, the description says, “Start with your right knee down & take your first step forward with your left foot 🦶.” In reality, though, there’s no step with the left. The hitter is driving off that leg (definitely worth training) to step with their right.
This is not me saying this drill can’t be used to train timing and spacing. I have my doubts as to whether it’s the best option, but so long as the focus for both coach and player is on that timing or spacing it can work. I bring this up because being clear and consistent with our focus is a MAJOR issue for coaches. That’s why I mention it frequently in my book, The Perfect Drill.
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