The different types of MLB swings

[Sultan_1895-1948]

I see a different swing plane with him and many others. The difference might not be extreme.

I wouldn't teach anyone to be that "wristy" either. But staying down through the ball is a key mental cue I'd for sure drill home.

Perhaps what I'm referring to is just less tilt, which creates a more level plane.

AlbertPujols_2006_HomeRun_036.jpg

[Aussie Al]

Hi Sultan
Curious to know why would you drill home down through the ball if the video shows a slight uppercut?

Alan

[Sultan_1895-1948]

I think the optimal swing, and the position that puts your body in, naturally produces a slight uppercut; especially on lower pitches. That's fine. When I see extreme tilt however, like with Dunn, or Edmonds, the angle of the bat greatly decreases the margin for error imo. And hitting is hard enough without lessening your chances.

I would drill home "down through the ball" as an important mental cue, of course making sure the kid understands it doesn't mean chop down. Chopping down and slicing the ball with backspin is completely different then staying through the ball and creating forceful backspin.

Maybe you or others on here, who have coached kids of all ages could tell me. How do you think the younger ones would respond? Would they understand the difference?