Before the swing, the body needs to be in the right position. Stance and Load are the first two parts of the Set, Load, Step, Swing cue.

What you need: A tee, 10 soft baseballs (11”), an age-appropriate bat, a net.

Setup: Tee at belt height. Kid without a bat first to build the position.

How to run it:

  1. Cue: Set, Load, Step, Swing. Today focus on Set and Load.
  2. Set: feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, weight balanced.
  3. Load: hands come back by the back shoulder, elbows down.
  4. Have them mirror this position 10 times without a bat. Check for balance.
  5. Now add the bat. Position on the tee. Have them Set and Load again, 10 reps.
  6. Last round: Set, Load, then swing through the ball.

What to watch: Are the knees bent or locked? Soft knees give power. Are the hands back by the shoulder or hanging? Hands back loads the swing.

If they’re struggling: Use a shorter bat. Use a lighter bat. Have them hold it with one hand first to feel the motion.

If they’ve got it: Add a step. Cue Set, Load, Step (small step toward the pitcher), Swing. Do 5 reps.