Don't “Squash The Bug” - (DO THIS INSTEAD!) - Baseball Hitting Tips

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In today’s video, we’re going to be talking about squashing the bug. This is a verbal cue that a lot of hitters have been taught over the years, but it’s not what elite hitters actually do. In fact, it causes much more harm than good in your swing. I’ll show you why I don’t like hitters to “squash the bug” and I’ll show you what I recommend doing instead.
So squashing the bug has been around for a long time. It’s a term that is used by coaches who think the swing is initiated by pivoting your back foot or squashing the bug. They used this term to promote rotating your hips in the swing, but your hips don’t rotate by artificially turning your back foot. This is not what actually happens in the swing. This is absolutely killing your bat speed and power. Squashing the bug also leaves players with the majority of their weight on their back side.
The way it should work is this.
Once a hitter gets to a solid launch position (after his load and when his front foot strikes the ground) the swing is actually initiated by the hips beginning to rotate as the front heel begins dropping.
As the front heel drops, the hitters back side will begin rotating naturally. Your heel drop and backside should work together simultaneously. Your weight should be on the inside of your big toe. As your front heel drops, your back heel will naturally begin to come off the ground. Then a hitters knees will eventually pinch together as they get to the contact point.
A great hitting drill to do is what I like to call “Ballistic Backside.” Put a cone or other object right behind your back foot for immediate feedback and to make sure you’re not squashing the bug.
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[@lvl29paladin83]

Squash the bug is a beginning point to where the next progression is movement in a swing. Young hitters tend to not be able to do both at the same time efficiently, which is why many coaches teach it this way. Lunging tends to get batters on their front foot which has to be corrected later. There are pros and cons to both, but for younger kids breaking up the swing into parts is more simple.

[@Covert_Smalls]

This is the clearest video I've seen on hip rotation

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Thanks Mike! I really appreciate that. I'm glad it was clear and helpful.

[@coachpetemeadows6476]

Some very correct things in this video...BUT...Kinetically, it's impossible to rotate the hips with out the rotation of the backside foot. Teaching young hitters to lunge creates more issues than just a little bit. I can show you a ton of pro hitter clips who pivot simultaneously. Don't slam the foot down...splitting hairs here. You can't teach a 14 and under to hit by lunging and opening up that front foot, it tilts the shoulder and drops the hands, it creates an arc. You need to teach this to players who are physically developed. If I teach this to 14 and and under, they'd never be able to get to the fast ball in the upper-third of the zone.

[@lvl29paladin83]

Exactly!

[@lonniethompson758]

Great video man! I actually have been thinking about trying this same thing the next batting practice!

[@graysenovitz5151]

Thanks man, I’ve had some trouble hitting the ball this year and your videos really helped because I got 2 hits in my last game

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Let's go man, keep it up! So glad the videos have been helping!

[@vincentbrazil8445]

Man, this awesome. I am trying to figure out ways to get my kids hitting with more power and this is going to help. Appreciate the videos

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

So glad to hear you enjoyed the video! Thanks for the support Vincent!

[@bsoakininsunshine]

I started doing this the beginning of my high school baseball season this year. It feels natural. It kinda seemed like I was cutting corners, but I guess I had the right idea. Thanks for the useful vids Coach Justin!

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

You’re welcome!

[@renehouse2015]

I'm not sure how I came across your video but I did. I've seen countless videos from countless coaches teach hitting technique all of which were lacking in one area or another or was totally incorrect. Your video nailed it... congratulations! I'm very happy to finally be able to see somebody who knows and understands about the building of momentum then how to efficiently transfer all that newly created energy into a controlled release at the point of contact with the pitched ball. Some advise... you mentioned "a weight shift backwards" or load and that is absolutely correct but you should understand the "why" and then explain it to your students as people learn and retain better if they understand the why's. The "why" there needs to be a weight shift backwards in this instance, is because in anything athletic that requires power there has to be a backwards movement. For example, in hockey the most powerful shot is the slap-shot and to generate that kind of power the stick is pulled backwards before it's forward motion, in golf to drive the ball off the tee the club is pulled backwards before it's swung forward, in archery the arrow is pulled backwards against the string before it's released to it's target, a QB who's about to throw a long pass brings his arm back before his forward throwing motion and release and so on. Hitting a baseball is no different, to create power there needs to be a backwards motion prior to the forward motion... think pulling back on a rubber band, it's the pre-torque movement. There are 3 recognizable ways to perform that backwards movement - 1. Pre-load where you start by already leaning backwards, 2. Inward knee pinch where the batter turns his knee inward towards facing his backside, 3. Front leg lift which is what we see most MLB players do. When you lift the front leg to balance yourself all the weight shifts to the back leg. Any and all of these methods generate the necessary backwards movement. Also, you mentioned the "back knee driving towards the pitcher"... absolutely. After the backwards movement there has to be an "aggressive" forward movement where the kinetic energy that was being started via the backwards movement now starts advancing towards the pitched ball. All of the movements in the chain all the way through to the point of contact constitute control. If, anywhere in the chain reaction of movements fails, some of that newly created kinetic energy will be lost and the batter won't be as efficient in his hitting which will translate to "lost power". Think of a boxer punching an opponent... does a boxer stay back over his back foot when he throws his most powerful punch the cross? Or does he shift his weight forward so that when he throws the cross he's above his front foot as he's landing the blow on his opponents chin? I don't know who you are, or even your name but I know you got it, you do understand hitting and it was a pleasure watching your video. You're one voice out there in a sea of other voices who don't know, and are incorrectly teaching young players. Stay the course, continue to be one of the voices worth listening to.

[@juggernaught79]

I teach the kids the upper body part of the swing first(after we get the stance). The key is turning the hips with the swing - the lower half will follow (squashing bug). Once they get that then it’s just polishing up the small details for a complete powerful swing. Great vid! Your point about forcing moments is spot on!

[@johndecosta6993]

Great videos . I watch all of them and take notes for my baseball study guide,as,well. Thankyou

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

You’re welcome John!

[@jasonsmith191]

I've used squash the bug for several seasons for my kids 4-8 yr old, so this totally helps create that torque. LOVE your videos Justin!

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Thanks for the support Jason!

[@williamfiejdasz9641]

Great video, Ive heard this from coaches before but have never known how to implement it.Thanks

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

You’re welcome!

[@adg1017]

Tremendous video, and you’re EXACTLY RIGHT!

[@TheJesseMoody]

Great video man! I've always had issues with squash the bug and have worked on teaching my kids more of the high level swing mechanics. I see a lot of comments below that talk about how younger kids can't grasp the concepts but it isn't different than anything else we are teaching. My youngest is 9 and she is learning much more advanced stuff than I did at her age and while it isn't fully grasped yet it will be there when she is older and she will not have to retrain her way of swinging and will be ahead of the game. Teach proper advanced techniques early on and they will benefit from it later as they develop more. It can be done.

[@goonxxi]

Everything you've talked about happens naturally by rotation of the hips to the front

[@YaelJohn]

So very true. Golf and ice hockey do not teach this method of squishing the bug at all. I am guilty of it but after watching my 7yo struggle to get his knees together I realized why. Hitting in sneakers on smooth cement I saw his back foot slip towards the catcher, indicating weight was on it. Then it dawned on me all of what he needs to fix stems from this squishing the bug that he was taught.

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Bingo! You make a great point about golf and ice hockey not teaching this - very true! Hopefully he was able to get all straightened out!

[@johnmeehan9934]

Thank you! Very clearly explained!

[@luisavila9385]

Great video again. Thos is so true. The first minute you said the bug squash is not the best thing I agreed with you. I was taught that way but then caught the error on time and changed my way to swing and it works like you said.

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Thanks Luis! I'm glad to hear you made the correction and it's working out better for you.

[@aidapachecheco1987]

Luis Avila hxjj2nktjnfk

[@cicerasousa1672]

Luis Avila 89oonjo M

[@cicerasousa1672]

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[@junyangchin6993]

I always lack power in hitting, this is really helpful. Thanks

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

I’m glad to hear it was helpful!

[@alexblake5828]

Great video. FWIW, the cue I use with my players on this issue is "switch the heels" which covers exactly what you talked about

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

I like that! Thanks for the support Alex!

[@edwardairborne6954]

Great video!! Presented very well!!

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Thank you very much Edward!

[@krenz2942]

I was taught squash the bug as a kid to keep my back foot on the ground. Step into the box, squash the bug, keep it squashed, ready position. I didn't know it was actually taught as the beginning of a swing motion...lucky me haha

[@mikefinnegan1366]

Nice video but why not finish up with a couple full speed swings where you ACTUALLY HIT THE BALL. Very annoying to watch a video on hitting a baseball that doesn’t include actually hitting a baseball.

[@wiseguycreativemedia5619]

He does, twice actually

[@murphy1927]

I hate when videos are straight to the point too!

[@trutwijd]

great video as always - nice one for younger kids too.

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Thank you! I appreciate the support!

[@puxie1849]

Dear Coach. Thanks for the videos. It will be great to demo a few times during instruction.

[@miahmarieeeeee]

Thanks you Justin.. love your content

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

You're welcome Geno! Thanks for watching!

[@rxlo1062]

Excellent video 👍

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Thank you!

[@BudandBloomWithBlossom]

Totally excellent video. You are a great teacher 😊.

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Thank you so much!

[@maisoncrosby5275]

Great video hopefully I’ll be able to hit the ball today past the pitcher I’ve been getting jammed and not hitting the ball so much its disgusting I need to watch this video. Thanks.

[@barresi81]

Awesome video thx a lot

[@jawsomebruv7282]

Thank you this vid helped me a lot

[@JV-zh7wd]

Man. This was important to watch. This squash the bug method really confused me as kid. My natural swing had gotten me so far until this method was introduced.

[@hawiianpwr]

Another great video!

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Thank you!!

[@iveyblake3108]

I play softball i’m 9 but I still love to watch your KZbin videos (they help me a lot) and all my coaches always tell me to squash the bug

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Thanks for watching Ivey! I hope this video was helpful in learning the proper way to do it!

[@cbanks1980]

GREAT KNOWLEDGE COACH!

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Thanks bro! 🙌🏼

[@indianagaiser2980]

Great video I have always told players that there belly button should face second base when you make contact. It seems to help get the right form. I work with 12U girls that’s when the squash the bug stuff is set in there head. I tell them not to worry about squashing the bug but to have there belly button towards second base on contact that way it’s natural foot twist and teaches them to swing through the ball

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

I like that! Obviously on an inside pitch the belly button would be more up in the middle, but that's a great way to keep them from just flying open! Thanks for the support!

[@brenthanson894]

I agree with you but this might be a hard concept to convey to my 9 year old. I have always told him to explode with the hips hoping that the back foot rotation would follow.

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

I agree that it's a more advanced concept. I just want to encourage coaches to NOT teach players to artificially turn their back foot or squish the bug. I think that verbal cue causes more harm than good. I believe telling them to explode with their hips like you do is much better!

[@brksybrooks]

Ultimate Baseball Training this concept is is 100% true and elite players, HS+ should learn and understand how to do it properly. However, the problem with videos like this is they do not explain to average coaches/parents when it should be introduced. 9 years old is not the time for this. Like you mentioned, when you “squash the bug” your hips start to rotate. This is what the concept accomplishes for young players. I disagree that the concept does more harm than good. Just a matter of age, knowledge and understanding of the game. When average coaches/parents see videos like this without telling them an age to introduce, they use it too early and confuse the hell out of young players. Even worse, they cause parents to not trust coaching concepts that work with young players.

[@virensingh4909]

Yes Brent, I was thinking the same for 8 to 12 years old kids... when we teach them for hip rotation foot is always there with the twist... but I like to use this drill as Justine showed ... thank you guys .

[@JV-zh7wd]

@@UltimateBaseballTraining 100%. I’m 35. When this was introduced around age 11 ( in Puerto Rico this concept was very new circa 1999). It so confused me. Very harmful to my natural swing where the weight rotation came naturally.

[@jimmylozolla9400]

i think you are splitting hairs but i get it. the "squash the bug" was never an initial movement to begin with. it is part of a teaching tactic to get the body to rotate in a natural fluid motion.

[@pac4950]

Agreed. it's not an initiation move. If anything, it's a finish move to ensure proper follow through and hip rotation. I have never seen it taught as a trigger.

[@mikebegin9982]

Yes. I don't want to take too much away from Justin as this truly is a great video for hitting mechanics (I like his energy and explanation). However he may want to think about renaming the video so that it is more accurate. I think we can agree that we don't want to introduce movements "artificially" or that don't benefit the hitter (it doesn't make sense to waste movement and energy). However when you watch the video, he is "squashing the bug" in every swing he takes. As the comments are stating (and what Justin is attempting to emphasize) is that "squashing the bug" is NOT the most important part of hitting. He's focusing on opening up the hips, driving his back knee forward, etc... However "squashing the bug" is still there in every swing he takes. The key here is simply identifying when and why coaches introduce(d) "squash the bug" to their players. Yes, it's a PART of hitting mechanics, however it is not meant to be the primary focus. In my experience, a friend introduced the concept to my daughter last summer when she was 9yrs old playing in a U10 tournament. "SQUASH THE BUG"???? What little kid doesn't like squashing bugs (explained as means to open up the hips towards the pitcher)???? That along with tweaking where she held her back elbow (practiced in between games) yielded nearly instant results during a single tournament last summer. In her first summer playing, she easily became one of the most consistent hitters on her co-ed U10 team. I can't wait to see where her mechanics take her THIS summer.

[@chrisblanchard4938]

Nice video. Thank you

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

You’re welcome Chris!

[@Gbpsfitness]

Cool video Justin. I subscribe to your channel. Question though, your back foot came forward. Aren't you supposed to stay back and keep your foot there.

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Awesome! Thanks for subscribing and I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Your back foot should come forward as shown. That is the result of your hips exploding and rotating in your swing. You will actually notice professional players' knees pinch together and they get on the point of their back toe. This should all happen naturally though. Nothing should be forced or artificial.

[@brendanriberdy7639]

I love your videos you inspired me to play baseball all your tips help me bcome a better hitter fielder and pitcher. You should do a video on you what should be in your baseball bag

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Hey Brendan! So glad to hear you've been enjoying the videos! That's a great video idea! I'll try to make that happen in the future

[@brendanriberdy7639]

So do you like the idea we want to know what shoud be in are baseball bag because i use my school bag because we cant afford a bag

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

I like the idea!

[@billylove6650]

Ultimate Baseball Training yes yes yes please do a baseball bag video and what we should have in it

[@melisslacour15]

I could've really used this in high school and college! 😅 But I'll take this to my slow pitch league instead as an adult lol

[@Ireland831]

I like a lot of what you are saying. Hip rotation frees up our hands to move thru the zone and the bug squash help us get full rotation, it doesn't initiate the swing. Also, you have a lot of head movement and lunge forward. Staying back would be better.... ; )

[@williamaustin9064]

Really liked the video, but I was wondering what you suggest for younger players (9u) given that step with the front foot is a bit more tricky for them (or at least less consistent)? Thanks!

[@fullthrottle157]

I dont think many if any actual coaches think that squashing the bug is artificially turning the foot. Its exactly what you explain the cue is used for. It's only a cue to get the hips into the swing. I don't think actual coaches believe or teach that

[@goatdubs33yt96]

Thx for this video, I hope you do that one video on how to calm your self down.

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

You’re welcome! I plan on doing more mentality videos

[@jawsomebruv7282]

Ultimate Baseball Training yes😀

[@randybarrett7]

Great video! Makes sense to me!

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Awesome! Thanks Randy!

[@earleearle26]

Thanks! I’ve been swinging wrong ever since high school smh! I want to learn how to increase my throwing speed. I have the strength but no technique.

[@mathewshoyt1763]

Never have I ever squashed the bug. Thought myself to swing in one continuous motion with momentum going towards the ball with full bat speed. Great video!

[@cmasailor]

"Squashing the bug" is a term originally used by the greats to help get the hips moving in 6-10yearolds that never swung a bat before... and had no knowledge or swing kinetics. It still serves this purpose. After a year or two, getting the refinements worked out is fine, but putting the kaibash on squashing the bug all together is missing the point.

[@marizmendez247]

I have never seen hips turn without pivoting in that back foot

[@drew63215]

Most MLB hitters do not pivot their back foot. Most times the back foot comes completely off the ground. You can turn your hips without pivoting on your back foot due to your weight transferring to your front side. Your back foot is just coming along for the ride when the hips turn.

[@salighie]

Hips should start rotating. Before the back foot. Then, you're right, can't finish without that pivot .. but you shouldn't start with a pivot, then try to rotate your hips. You lose power, time. I'd say.

[@HBK360MUSIC]

drew63215 lmao “most mlb hitters do not pivot their back foot”. I mean I’ve seen a lot of stupid comments on these hitting tutorial videos, but this may be the worst.

[@rcvaroundtheworld6217]

I learned this mechanic with my coach and he said that instead of me dragging my toes in the ground I was lifting my foot off the ground to get to where I can explode all my momentum towards the pitcher, any tips on how I can not lift my leg? Great video too!

[@r.malone3690]

Keeping Front side closed is the most important when getting your timing down.

[@salighie]

I never thought of " squashing the bug" as a way to start the swing. A lot of kids have a bad habit of lifting their back foot and dragging it forward towards the front foot. So I've always used the term squash the bug as a way to tell the batter not to lift and drag their back foot, but to rotate on the ball of their back foot as an ending position (after launch, leading with the knob of the bat, opening the hips, transferring momentum and power off the back foot into the hips and upper body.. in one movement). .. but never taught it as a starting motion. Always taught loading up on the back foot and softly planting the front foot, then lead with knob, rotate hips as you bring down the barrel.. follow through. And finish high.

[@justinallen4918]

You are right but it's hard to get younger kids(12 and under)to understand weight shift. Squashing the bug prevents lunging and helps flat footed kids pivot their back foot. I do agree though forward shift adds effortless power.

[@bruno5457]

Merci Justin. From France

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

You're welcome! I'd love to visit France someday

[@bruno5457]

Ultimate Baseball Training hey we have a team of baseball call Alligator in south of France. You welcome To stay at home if you want. facebook.com/groups/1517606231888099/ You welcome

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

I appreciate that! That's definitely on the bucket list to come visit France!

[@brianwaldo2642]

Interesting, I’ve coached baseball for many years through many levels and always taught “squashing the bug” with the front heel. Being a lifelong golfer who raised the front heel on the takeaway, slamming the heel down was my trigger to rotate the hips then follow up with the hands. The back foot just automatically assumes the proper transition.

[@benschaffer8994]

Your misunderstanding squashing the bug... it's not meant to start your swing, it's used to remind players to use their lower body by opening their hips in the swing and finish.

[@kaselozano9980]

Search NOONER HITS... good stuff

[@MrHardgabi]

useful for disc gold

[@thegreatonebaby2412]

Totally understand what your saying in the shifting weight forward. But kids who are under the age of 10 don't have the correct timing when taking that step forward, and most of the time they never turn their hips. What I teach is squashing the bug early just to get the kids to turn their hips. When they get older squashing the bug is no longer exist cause the kids should now have the timing down with taking that step. But I like where your coming from. I tell my son and players when they get older you'll eventually be taking a that step forward and won't have to use squashing the bug. Good video though.

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Thanks for watching and commenting! I just don't personally believe that squash the bug should ever be taught, even at a young age. If players learn it when they are younger, it'll be hard to correct that habit that has been engrained in their swing. Squashing the bug early isn't what actually happens in the swing. It's artificial and causes more harm than good. I just believe there are better cues to use and things to focus on. However, I agree that it's a harder concept for youngsters to learn! I appreciate the continued support!

[@ryanwoodward4602]

Your terminology makes sense when working with older hitters (12+), but what verbal cues are you using for kids from T-ball through Little League? I am running into an understanding and executing issue with the younger players that aren't able to replicate the basics you show here, nor understand the load, stride, firm front side. Enjoy your content!

[@TheApplefan13]

thegreatonebaby2412 squash the big shouldn’t ever be taught because there is no weight transfer which is the whole point. If you “squash the bug” you are essentially hitting with only arms.

[@dgamertv7376]

thegreatonebaby2412 so I’ll guess I use the forward momentum drill i’m 13

[@louisrivera8461]

Coach Justin as you are throwing your weight forward and dragging your back foot on tip toe forward, how does the hitter adjust their upper part of swing as they realize the ball speed or final location of where ball is going to be at contact is different then what they thought when they started going forward from balance in both legs (defensive) to one leg (offensive) balance? You now can only slap at ball with arms and bat. And even if you do get a good upper swing, to hit dropping pitch or curving outside pitch, you will have lost 1/3 of your power(bottom half) Yes Minor League, College & a lot of 11th &12th graders will be stronge enough to still hit with power (Adult Bodies) but most 5 thru 14 yr olds need All 3 Power components to be consistant. (Upper & Lower Body and Velocity of Ball) Why is taking a Lead Off, Fielding a Ground Ball and other types of Defensive Plays done with Weight more Balanced on Both Legs. But in Hitting (where you have a Round Ball & a Round Bat and the contact of bat & ball is 1/4 inch as they Both immediately are curving away from eachother and MLB Players Fail 7 times out of 10) you want the Youth to be Off Balance( as in, weight on one leg) so there is No chance of adjustment. 75 % of youth players will not play in High School and less in College. Are we to assume that the batter knows were the pitch will end up & what kind of pitch it is & its speed? (You are talking about a Mike Trout caliber player at 10) very Rare player. This would be for Elite players who have mastered basic fundamentals & more importantly, have been given the Mental Fundamentals of understanding what they are doing also. Not saying I don't agree with you, just saying its more important for youth to make good contact consistently then crushing the ball to the fence every swing.

[@youhavethepowertochoose1617]

I called that the Elvis (front heel, back heel drop).

[@Yummyseeker]

My question is, raising your leg-doing the toe to heel on front -and raising the heel on back foot, doesnt that cause alot of body shift causing your bat level to move quite a bit more?

[@andrewmedina4984]

I have another question, say if your a type of hitter like me who always lean forward and doesn’t usually stay back, should I have a more open stance to help me with my balance or no?

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

What do you mean you always lean forward?

[@a53mp]

Harper will have his rear foot come off the ground completely. A few power hitters do that, it's a good way to tell if you are hitting the ball extremely hard

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Yes he does!!

[@prestonmcgregor6096]

I know you shouldn't squish the bug. Thank you for another great video. Can you do some first baseman drills?

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

I'll try to do that soon Mike!

[@AkhilPillaBaseball]

I am a 12U Baseball player and upload my baseball training videos and clips from tournaments that I am playing on a weekly basis. Please subscribe and comment @ Akhil Pilla Baseball. I have some videos of first baseman drills that I have been coached too. Thanks

[@OUemba04]

I totally agree especially teaching young hitters but yes they can adapt as they get older but why have them change after two years creates confusion as eight year olds are learning.

[@shaquizzyonizzy3148]

This is interesting because squashing the bug is something that always came naturally and now I have a different look on hitting

[@-paulallen-]

Love it

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Thanks Parker!

[@FM-yv6lm]

Over thinking boys. Back in the day if you wanted power and hip rotation your belly button needed to be pointed to Centerfield. It is also muscle memory, practice, practice and practice. Trust me the muscles stay with you for years after you hangup your cleats from HS and or College ball.

[@edgartirado8928]

An actual video with proper mechanics

[@toddlu3365]

This video should be for more advanced hitters, I use "Squash the bug" method on very young beginners to help them get used to opening up and getting them used to starting the swing at their base. Once they show that I introduce the weight Load and Trigger method as I call it then focus on the hips. My son just turned 7 and does not apply this method anymore but it was a crucial step in my training, cause every 3-5 yo understand squashing a bug lol. I also worked this with my 3 y/o to have help him swing through the tee after he loads his weight. I only comment as I think the 'Squash the Big " Method works when applied at an appropriate level and proceeded with more advanced instruction. Thanks for video, I will be applying some of your techniques to my sons swing this summer!!

[@ILiveInMomsBasement]

I suppose squashing the bug has a place when you have a team of Bad news Bears to teach with a couple hours a week to do it. If you have time for one on one, more complex instruction is doable. The back knee will start moving forward naturally on it's own once you get their hips moving. I think slower initial progression is preferable to correcting negative training later on.

[@traey1775]

Odd... The first time I ever heard the term "squash the bug" was a few years ago from an MLB coach (don't remember which team) when I went to spring training in Florida. Growing up, I learned how to swing from watching MLB hitters and never got coached so I had never heard that term before and I was like "What the heck is squashing the bug?"

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

One of those terms that has just been thrown around a lot and passed down over the years!

[@vajmuasvids3386]

I dont play baseball but thankyou for coaching me

[@13cdc]

Yes Barry Bonds had no idea what he was doing. Moving forward towards the pitcher who is throwing 90 + is a great idea. Let’s add mph to the pitch.

[@drew63215]

How I taught my daughter, who is a power hitter and hits HRs in Fastpitch High School... I used to put a brick in front of her front foot and a brick in front of her back foot. That way, she had to stride to get her front foot over the brick and she had to release her back foot to get it over the brick. Then I had some coaches asking "Why was her back foot moving?" "Why was she moving forward?" The best one was them setting up two Tees to swing level. I guess the ball on the first Tee supposed to hit the ball on the second Tee....lol. My daughter's first ball was launching high above the second ball. I had to tell them "Don't mess with her swing". Most coaches are Dads who has a daughter on the team and they haven't studied Hitting Mechanics in depth. Some Coaches said my daughter has a MLB swing...lol. I studied Gerri Ann Glasco when she played with UGA and Oregon. Her swing mirrored the Pros.

[@cliffsauer9111]

drew63215 do you have a video of this drill?

[@drew63215]

@@cliffsauer9111 What drill?

[@drew63215]

@@cliffsauer9111 Do you mean the "brick drill"? No. I thought of it while I was training my daughter one day because she kept squashing the bug and kept some of her weight on her back leg instead of transferring all of her weight to her front leg. Just put a brick the long way in front of her foot while she's in her hitting stance. I found out putting it the short way will only make her do a little toe tap over the brick and her stride will not be as long. Putting it the long way will make her stride longer which will cause her to come down and bend her front leg more which will cause her to get more power from her legs when she starts to straighten it out during the swing. But when she's moving her back foot over the brick, make sure she's moving it due to her hips pulling it forward in her turn to hit the ball and not just placing her back foot over the brick just because it's there. I had my daughter do the drill while holding a stick (dowel about 4ft): 1. Stride while Loading 2. Have her pause on the front foot plant with her front knee bent. 3. Then have her power her hips around while swinging the stick in one hand. This will break down each part of the movement separately so she will understand what she is doing. Then have her do it in all one continuous movement so she can see how it all comes together... :) I also suggest you check out Baseball Rebellion. Those guys are awesome. They have my daughter hitting 220+ft Homeruns...and she just turned 16.

[@trickwheel]

Squashing the bug is the basic of understanding the hitting basics. Opening the hips and staying back helps to teach the hitters to leven out and get behind the baseball. I have seen by teaching hitting with out this basic gets players who get on top of the ball and chop too many hits in front of the plate. Once the squash the bug mentality is learned the rest become more beneficial as they learn to transfer weight and drive through the ball. But 1 is not achieved without the other

[@dodgerfan4ever303]

Thank you! Can you make a how to rob a home run video next?

[@abismaellatorre5579]

My son has a little over a month to learn the basics of hitting for a tryout he is 15 he's been a soccer player since he was 7 years old, how would you teach hitting to a beginner and when I say beginner I mean beginner. I find that what ever I say or try to teach hi about hitting I can't get him to loosen up.

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

This video is a PERFECT place for him to start! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pICWgX6JdsmIidk

[@mlb-rewind9250]

When ever I swing my foot slides forward but it doesn’t come off the ground so I don’t think that’s good I’ve been told it’s not good but I don’t know what my weight transfer should really be like any tips ?

[@itsjess2859]

I coach softball, 10 year old girls. They've all been taught the squish the bug drill from t-ball with other coaches. Even as a former player, there would be so much emphasis on pivoting that back foot rather than driving through. Would you recommend me implenting what you showed for my players?

[@wehaveanannouncementtomake5517]

Jess Hudson don’t even hesitate. Those players are going to see results if you properly teach them this. I feel so much better when I make a tweak to my swing that makes a difference, this can light up your players’ hitting and give them even more confidence. It’s a double win

[@geteda717]

I've been coaching this same exact principle for the last decade or so. I hear coaches tell the kids to "NOT" hit off the front foot and to "NOT" transfer weight toward the pitcher. Instead, their weight and power is driven into the ground through the back foot. Makes no sense to me

[@samhenloren]

Mookie Betts does sqaudsh the bug and he is the best hitter in the MLB.

[@Vanaguirre2]

John Bell no he doesn’t just uses his hips and hand

[@grantdillon6503]

Hey coach Justin. This is unrelated, but I’m hoping you can answer this question. I play third base, and I have played shortstop, and they’re both positions that I can play, but my coach, until recently, hasn’t put me there much. In the past, he put his son there, who played second until I started playing third, and now it’s just other people. I’ve found that I get really tense when I am playing, bc I don’t want to make an error and get taken out. Obviously that leads to errors, and so now it’s kind of a problem, especially because I’ve been playing third more. Any advice?

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

I would get as much extra work as you can on ground balls so you’re confident in real games. Even if that means staying after practice or showing up early, you need to get more reps. Then make sure when you’re in a real game you breathe, play one pitch at a time... then always make sure you know what you’re going to do when the ball is hit to you! As long as you do these things, I think you’ll be okay! Physical errors happen, but mental errors should never happen. Trust your preparation!

[@grantdillon6503]

OK, thank you. Great video, btw

[@jasonszala3417]

Grant Dillon f

[@grantdillon6503]

ok... g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z but it actually starts with a. look it up

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

I appreciate it!

[@TheDregs1]

So much movement in that swing.

[@danmeier641]

A step forward can delay your hip turn and make you late. Unless you drop the back knee to about 120 degrees you cannot hit the knee high pitch. I notice your tee is hip high. Most major league players have a slight step forward about a 4-10 inch hip slide forward and a slight back foot drag created by their hip turn. 90% lean back on their swings and the weight is on their back foot. This is rotational hitting. Linear hitting is rare. Very few swing like Bryce Harper does.

[@davidadam6490]

Does that work for softball as well

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Yes, absolutely! The same principles apply.

[@lilyanaherrera4962]

Is this good for softball?

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Yep! The same principles apply

[@gregwerner4152]

Load,stride,swing 3 steps

[@jmart4953]

My hitters are lunging forward or staying planted - They need to turn there hips and keep some weight on the back foot.

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

I've got a video on lunging coming out very soon!

[@chanman395]

Always have the kids imagine how and how far a rubber band can go...the more you load, the farther it goes.

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Yes! I use that rubber band example all the time! Best way to get kids understanding the separation concept

[@amandakendall6795]

Got any tips on how to help a 6-7 year old add a stride to his swing?

[@redpillforreal3053]

It’s not that squashing the bug is necessarily so wrong, it’s just a good starter movement for very young kids to get them to the next more advanced move like dragging toe

[@Bagadonuts]

He's doing the same exact thing. I I don't teach squashing the bug as he explains it. There's nothing artificial or premeditated about it. when a hitter goes into his swing he loads up and then when he unloads that's when the right foot should turn AKA squashing the bug. If you could teach a kid timing can you could teach a kid how to hit properly

[@jeffreystoll4367]

Right idea but for young kids you need them to stay back and not lunge at the ball telling them to squash the bug is a way of staying back and rotate the hips also having the bat end pointed at the catcher leads to young hitters rapping the bat around their head something that causes long swing and to many strike out, something that is happening to much in today's game.

[@drewgreenberg7578]

Mookie betts and Bryce Harper squash the bug wdym

[@beck1710]

Harper also turns his front foot in

[@drew63215]

I've also seen Harper not squash the bug on plenty of swings and I've also seen him do a knee lift instead of a front foot turn. He does it both ways.

[@StephenCao1]

ILike baseball ⚾️

[@UltimateBaseballTraining]

Me too! 👊🏼⚾️

[@budehaun272]

Haha when I was younger I used to do this when I bat naturally, and that year I hit like 8 homeruns in a league where only like 10 total homers were hit. Then the next year I got a coach that I have had ever since and he always tells me to "stop dragging that foot" or "come on man squash the bag, that's how you get power". And so now ive went from the best hitter in the league to batting in the 8 hole. And dang it, I dont know what do do because every time I bat he watxhes and if I do it wrong he corrects me so I can't change it yet. Well whatever, just wanted to tell this story.

[@soniadavis6959]

You should swing the way you were taught initially. Unless your Coach made it to professional baseball or is Bryce Harper, return to your original method! Once you start hittin homers again, he'll quiet down and leave you alone. Guaranteed!!! Best of Luck