Knob-to-Ball Dry Path

What it is for

Build a direct path from the hands toward the pitch.

What you're learning

The bottom hand pulls the knob as hard as the hitter can, throwing the knob to the ball, from the elbow to the hand. Once that action begins, the front hand and the knob do not stop; they stay in constant, fluid movement through extension and the follow-through. The hands start the swing, and the hands are what turns the body.

Setup

Athletic hitting stance with a bat and no ball. Create enough space to make a controlled dry swing safely.

How to do it

Load normally. Begin the swing by moving the knob toward the imagined ball. Let the hands start the move toward the ball, then allow the barrel to release through the hitting zone. Reset after every repetition.

Coaching cues

• Throw the knob toward the ball.
• Keep the hands tight to the path.
• Let the barrel follow the hands.
• The end cap works toward the pitcher before the barrel releases.

Common mistakes

• Casting the hands.
• Pulling the front shoulder early.
• Immediately turning the barrel around the body.
• Rushing the movement.

What the hitter should look for

The knob moving to the ball and never stopping. A stopped front hand and knob is a strong tell that the hitter went out to get the ball. It is not a tug of war: the body should not be what pulls the hands into the swing.

What Mom/Dad should watch for

Coach Bass checks the bottom hand first: is the hitter throwing the knob, and are the hands working on their own rather than being moved by body momentum?

Equipment

• bat