I'm looking for drills that work on using hips. My son switch hits and doesn't seem to get as much power when he doesn't use his hips. Thanks!

NRPMom,

Great question! In my opinion, the hips/legs are the most misunderstood and under taught aspect of the swing. First of all, be sure your son's front foot is not closer to the plate than his back foot. This will inhibit a complete hip turn. That being said, my personal favorite drill is holding a bat behind the players back held by the arms at the elbow joint with hands held comfortably on hips or stomach. The barrel end of the bat should be under the hitters back arm(right arm for RH, left arm for LH)and the handle under the other. This takes the arms completely out of the process. Then take a stride and turn as if you are trying to hit a pitch.

Try this without actually hitting anything at first. Focus on balance during and after the movement. Most hitters really only use one leg when they turn(the back leg) because they have been taught to squish the bug or something similar. In order to maximize balance and power both legs MUST WORK TOGETHER!!

Once you feel as though you won't fall over after the turn, you can use a tee placed so the ball is right around the belly button. Then turn, turn, turn!

Good luck!

Notes:

1)focus on inner thighs and buttocks to create turn. Squeeze "cheeks" together(I know it sounds funny, but it works).
2)wear a long sleeve shirt(preferably a thick sweat shirt or even some type of elbow wrap) to protect the arms.
3)The more you do this the more will feel the strength of the turn as well as balance.

Don't forget. If you don't know how to load the shoulders to keep the hands back at launch you still won't have any power. They must work as separate units to create torque. One is no more important than the other

Swingbuster,

I agree totally. Torque is EVERYTHING!

Be careful when talking about shoulder loading. Many kids overload the shoulders and turn their backs to the pitcher. Next thing you know, they can't hit an inside pitch to save their lives.

NRPMom,

I believe a medicine ball is a great way to work the hips.

One exercise is to have two players stand back to back and pass the medicine ball to each other by turning only the hips.

I would bet other posters could suggest some others.

we like to put a rolled up towel into the belt resting at mid-line with the majority hanging out the front. when a player swings and uses the hips correctly the towel will flip over the front leg. simple but effective.