Baseball Misconceptions, Correct Hitting Techniques – Ever Hear of Squish the Bug?

Baseball batting technique thrown out! Ever hear of squish the bug?

Sometimes in sports, as in life, we do things and don’t really know why. Our techniques and responses have been ingrained in us for so long that we just accept it’s the way to do it. There are countless examples of this in the great game of baseball.

To test my theory that we do things automatically without analyzing the ‘why,’ I hit the road-visiting batting cages and baseball practices to watch coaches and players in action. My goal? To identify and counteract age-old hitting techniques that most believe are successful “if only the player would do it right.” My findings might surprise you, and will ultimately help your player significantly improve his or her batting average.

Since then, I’ve helped baseball coaches, parents, and hitters overcome misconceptions about how to hit a baseball and how to challenge ancient coaching techniques that actually do more harm than good. In all, we’ve knocked seven misconceptions out of the park. Here’s one of the most popular:

Ever hear of squish the bug in baseball? This phrase refers to the pivot of the back foot as the batter swings the bat. In this case, the back foot “spins” on the ball of the foot, like we do when we squish a bug.

Here is what the result will be:

• A long stroke
• Inhibited weight transfer
• Hands won’t be able to get out front for contact
• Needless pushing with the legs

Here is what should happen during the pivot:

• The back foot rolls up on the back toe as the hips rotate toward the pitch.

Here is what the result will be:

• It facilitates a shorter stroke
• Weight transfer will occur.
• The hands will be allowed to make contact with the ball out in front.

Try these proven techniques today to improve your swing and your overall confidence in the game.