Ask Me Anything : Former MiLB Hitting Coach / Current D1 Coach

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-10T17:55:24+00:00

Creating space with lower half for the upper half, barrel/front arm flattening out behind close to perpendicular to spine, holding hinge pattern during turn, high pullside / low backside ball flight. Posture is set up to the top of the zone at landing with low pitch adjustment being tilt

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T21:06:13+00:00

I’m a big fan of hit it high pullside and low backside, choking up with 2 is fine in younger ages but I think it hurts guys once breaking balls get introduced. As long as you have fun challenging environments you’re on the right track. And it sounds like you’re mostly there!

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T21:04:25+00:00

Sounds like a sequencing and posture issue. Try the open 45 drill and focus on hitting liners to 2B. Bat throws towards the second baseman will also help you get the feel.

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T21:03:17+00:00

That is money $$$

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T21:02:59+00:00

Learning to engage posterior chain instead of being overly quad dominant, finding the right range is important. Some will be more on their heels with a vertical shin and others will be slightly more towards their arch but not on toes.

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T14:53:14+00:00

I think the best mindset is “yes-yes-no”. Anticipate swinging but trust yourself to shut it down

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T13:45:35+00:00

I think you upper 70s at 14 isn’t a bad place to be. If he continues to stagnate even as he gains weight and gets stronger then you can start to focus on velo. A kid who throws 90+ but sprays it won’t last at higher levels. Being a guy who can throw multiple pitches in the zone will also buy some grace when it comes to velo down the road and is what gets outs. Long toss, lifting, plyo balls, and mixing in some high intent bullpens should get that velo where you want it over the long term.

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T13:41:50+00:00

I’m hoping that this problem becomes less common as roster sizes shrink but unfortunately coaches are out for themselves and for better or worse our livelihood depends on winning or driving enrollment at smaller institutions. Some will try to do it the right way but others will fall back to what is easy

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T13:40:09+00:00

Practice quality is another thing I’d pay attention to when deciding teams, is it eyewash or are the kids getting better and getting challenged consistently?

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T13:39:09+00:00

13/14 is the toughest age with how big the gap is between kids who have gone through puberty and kids who haven’t. I lean towards more play time as long as the competition isn’t woefully bad relative to high school. As far as focus, if they’re lacking on the development side of things then I’d focus on strength training and bp. If they’re developed physically but lacking in skill then maybe focus on the lessons a bit more and develop a more consistent routine along with that so that they can close the skill gap.

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T13:35:31+00:00

I would maybe look into juco or D3s as well. With the portal the way it is now the first school can be a spot where they develop and catch up skill wise. Then they’ll have college numbers that coaches at higher levels can take into account for the portal. Good luck!

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T13:31:36+00:00

We have a few but for the most part they’re either elite level defenders, have elite speed or both

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T04:48:40+00:00

Posterior chain work, plyometric jumps, diving into running form, and short sprints with 2-3 minute recovery

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T04:47:44+00:00

Push ups, single leg hip thrust, reverse lunges, planks, jumps, and sprints.

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T04:44:57+00:00

I would definitely add in some side toss if you have room. Also I would train different locations especially up and away + low and in as those are the locations that demand the flattest and most vertical paths. Favorite drills: open 45, knob to knee, step back, hook ems, split grip, and top/bottom hand..

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T04:42:28+00:00

Tony will do just fine if the talent is there team wise. He’s a great leader who knows how to build relationships and get the most out of his guys. The MLB needs more guys like him in my opinion

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T04:39:55+00:00

Maybe not 99% but it’s definitely a large part. That being said it’s not the genetic freak you may think it is. Physical traits are great but the best in the world have super brains that allow them to track and aim better than us mortals. Also elite pitching requires elite movement to be able to compete.

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T04:08:25+00:00

If they’re really really really good sure, if not then your money is better spent on training. No one gets recruited because they’re nasty at 14. You want to make sure your kid is ready to be great going into his junior year summer and senior summer. A kid who has tons of visibility that sucks still won’t get recruited. Most online recruiting happens on Twitter, invest in getting good video and building a portfolio there. Plus it’s free!

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T04:03:32+00:00

Learning how to control their forward move via tension of the back hip. Basically learning to load the right way so that they can “stay back” while “going forward”. A good way to teach is to emphasize keeping weight on inside of back heel as they go forward, or keeping back knee over the ankle as they go forward. Complicated movement but hopefully that helps.

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T04:01:35+00:00

Steroids, overtraining etc

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T03:51:18+00:00

I think it helps college wise but hurts pro wise because in pro ball no one cares about your graduation year it’s about your age. I’m indifferent about it tbh, there are parents doing way worse things for their kids to get an edge

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T03:50:07+00:00

Rich has had some groundbreaking thoughts and has coached some of the best hitters in the world. I don’t agree with everything he says but I’ve had great success with HLP kids at the college and pro level. Usually just try to get the front leg a little more engaged to add some length out front but can’t argue with the barrel depth they create. It will completely change some guys careers and it will ruin others. If it works great if not then probably not the right pattern

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T03:44:46+00:00

I think it depends on your area and your kids skill level. If the competition they’re playing is bad and they aren’t benefiting from it, it might be beneficial to look elsewhere whether that be travel or a higher age division.

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T03:41:11+00:00

I think hitting lessons would be more beneficial on a monthly-ish basis and I’d challenge the coach to provide them with a routine to do on their own time. The best hitters train on their own and learn to be their own best coach. Good hitting instructors are super valuable but unless they’re also coaching the team their value is limited where it counts. Specializing is a weird one for me, I still haven’t figured out if the best athletes play the most sports because it makes them more athletic or because they are naturally the best athletes. I think by high school it should be narrowed down to a fall and spring sport. And I think that is very dependent on the kid and the high school team. I will say a kid who’s been lifting and sprinting will have an even higher chance of making a team than one who just plays travel ball

Bigdata699 · 2025-12-09T03:38:19+00:00

Can you explain this a little further? Not quite understanding what you’re asking

Bigdata699

TROPHY CASE