Video:How to Swing a Baseball Bat

Transcript:How to Swing a Baseball Bat

Hi, my name is Keith Stephens for About.com Parenting. Today I'm going to show you how to teach your young athlete the proper way to swing a baseball bat. Let's get started.

Supplies Needed to Teach Hitting

Before we begin, here's what you will need:

• a baseball bat
• a safe area to swing the bat
• something to serve as a home plate

Grip the Baseball Bat

First let's look at the proper way to grip a baseball bat. If you swing the bat right handed, your right hand will be on top.

If left handed, then your left hand will be on top. Your hands should always be touching each other. Your bottom hand will be lightly touching the knob of the bat.

Position Feet Next to Home Plate

Have both feet shoulder width apart. Slightly flex the knees. Your weight will be shifted to the back foot.

As you begin your swing, your hips move forward, your front foot steps toward the baseball. You come up on the ball of your back foot.

Swing the Baseball Bat

When you take your stance, if you're batting right handed, your right elbow will be parallel to the ground, and your hands will be behind your back shoulder.

As the pitch comes in, you will step toward the baseball and begin your swing. When you swing properly, your arms come to a V. That's when you snap the bat into the ball.

Follow the Baseball With Your Eyes

With your eyes, you must follow the ball from the pitcher's hand all the way to your bat. Do not allow your swing to take your eyes away from the ball.

When you make contact with the baseball, you then continue your swing all the way through. The bat should stop behind your shoulder.

Follow Through With the Swing

After you make contact with the ball, follow through on your swing. You begin to run toward first base, you drop the bat - never, ever throwing it.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the Web at parenting.about.com.