Instruction by Eric Kadooka, Punahou School

Fundamentals of Hitting:

• Stance - square, slightly wider than shoulder width
• Hands start near ear level, bat 45 degrees
• Rhythm and Load
• Short Stride
• Hip rotation, drive with back leg
• Hands to the ball
• Swing plane, level with extension
• Head down, chin on back shoulder
• Swing quick, not hard
• Contact point 
• Be on time

Listen to Tony Gwynn, Hall of Fame member analyze Barry Bonds swing and speak about hitting (click onto link below then pick "Gywnn dissects Bonds swing" then clink on "play: to listen)

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/special/2002-07-09-bonds-swing.htm

Albert Pujols Swing Photos for Analysis:

Focus on wide width of stance, 45 degree bat angle, hand position, two eyes on release point, athletic position

Focus on stride foot creates strong frontside to hit off of; hands inside baseball or pitch location, bottom hand palm up, head position

Focus on lower half (back hip, back leg) drive and hip rotation and back foot push, bottom hand palm up, hands inside baseball, head position

Focus on use of lower half to drive baseball, contact point is near front foot for ball hit towards centerfield

Fundamentals of Fielding:

• Positioning - move yourself to hitter's tendancy
• Linebacker starting position - forward movement as pitcher releases pitch
• First step critical to determine angle of charge or movement toward ground ball
• Get to the ball in direct path
• Charge low with short choppy steps
• Field ground ball at short or long hop
• Wide base - feet spread apart, bend from knees, extend glove out in front of body lower than ground ball
• Field ground ball in middle of wide base fielding position
• Move through the ground ball 
• Determine how hard ball is hit and type of ground ball
• Field ground ball out in front, glove positioned lower than ground ball
• Soft hands
• Running clock in your head, how much time to make play
• Make the routine play
  
  

Focus on wide base, bend from knees-low to ground, glove below ground ball, field out in front, soft hands

Fundamentals of Base running:

• Always know where the baseball is on the field
• Hustle
• Put pressure on the opponent
• Take the extra base - get into top speed within 1st three strides - never assume the defense is going to make the play, think double out of the batters box
• Slide into bases
• Run through 1st base and not dive
• Before the pitch, check the depth and positioning of the outfielders
• Freeze on line drives
• Always know the situation, score of the game and how many outs
• Recognize the pitch angle for pitches thrown into the dirt to advance to the next base
• Make a play on the bases
• Read pitcher's tendacies
• Advance to the next base based on your decision when ball in front of you, use third base coach if ball hit behind you

Focus on making a play, know the game situation and where the baseball is at all times

Instruction by Corey Ishigo, Kailua HS

Fundamentals of Hitting:

Fundamentals of Pitching:

The instruction shown to the left are examples of fundamental instruction provided in our large class or small group or one on one private lessons. Sign up for lessons and get more personal hands on instruction for your child.

Have your child experience high school level instruction.

Your child will learn:

• how to make adjustments on the field during the game 
• gain a better feel for the game and confidence
• receive practice  repetition in a high level environment.

Attend one of our ACADEMY LARGE CLASS WORKOUTS and join our club practices. All workouts will be coached by Eric and/or Corey.

Or Sign up for a private lesson or small group lesson from our staff!!