Backyard Hitting Lessons - Coil

Introduction

It can be difficult to begin the stride from a stationary position. There are a number of reasons for this but I think the most important reasons are that it is easier to move when you are already in motion and it is easier to keep your muscles relaxed when you are in motion.

The coil is a movement made by a hitter where they will turn and move back slightly prior to taking their stride. The coil should be a small movement that helps the hitter with timing the pitcher and getting the stride foot down at the proper time.

Simply put it's much easier to swing the bat and achieve better timing if you move back before going forward.

What to watch out for: While we want to move back and turn in slightly, a common mistake for a hitter is to think that they can gain more power by shifting the weight farther back or turning more. In reality they are losing the balance that is so critical for a good and balanced stride. Shifting the weight too far back will also place the weight on the outside of the back foot. It's hard to go forward with your weight too far back, so:
At the end of your coil your weight should still be on the inside of your back foot and no farther. This puts you in the correct position to move forward.

Practice

When you stop after a coil to check your position make sure in addition to seeing the pitcher, as discussed in the video, that you also haven't moved too far back. Check to make sure your weight is on the inside part of the back foot and runs up the inside part of your back leg. If your weight is on the outside of your back leg then you have moved too far back.

Keep Your Eyes on the Ball

Key Points to Remember:

1. Simplify the coil by just thinking of a slight turn in with your front knee.
2. Move your weight slightly back during the coil making sure you keep a good position of balance (weight on the inside of the back leg, not the outside).
3. Keep both eyes focused on the pitcher.

Next: Stride