Hitting slumps in young players are usually caused by one of two things, or both:

 

1. The hitter has developed some sort of "hitch" in his swing (un-needed hand movement, longer than normal stride, high leg kick, opening of the hips too early, etc,) which has thrown off his timing.

 

or

 

2. Because of a hitch, the hitter has developed a "longer" swing than normal, resulting in contact off the handle or the end of the bat, but rarely on the sweet spot.

 

Tee work, followed by correct soft toss will help break a slump.

The video tape works. I have fixed a few swings by simply showing the boys the video. Once they see what I am telling them they are doing, they can make the necessary adjustments.

It's called a "Slump Buster."

That is hilarious!!! Take one for the team.

I never really slumped much but I only hit 2 Home Runs (over the fence) that I can remember. I was an up the middle/ opposite field line drive hitter. One thing that always helped me was when I got two strikes I 1. Widened my stance a little wider than shoulder width 2. Just picked my foot up and down instead of striding. This is going to take away from quite a bit of your power but it's going to up your on base % because you are more under control. I forgot to mention I would choke up just a tiny bit too. If you're a power hitter then it might not be for you but I always enjoyed spraying the ball being a doubles hitter and having fun in the art of base-running. We had a lot of power hitters and it just wasn't my forte but I was solid at what I did. I think the main thing is too have confidence in the batters box and not out think yourself. Walk into the box knowing that you are going to drive the ball and like somebody said before see it before it happens. Muscle memory is a funny thing!

I personally like a player doing what I call a "40 Drill". .

 

It sounds like a good tool to use. Just don't have them drink a "40" before doing this. :laugh:

I never really slumped much but I only hit 2 Home Runs (over the fence) that I can remember. I was an up the middle/ opposite field line drive hitter. One thing that always helped me was when I got two strikes I 1. Widened my stance a little wider than shoulder width 2. Just picked my foot up and down instead of striding. This is going to take away from quite a bit of your power but it's going to up your on base % because you are more under control. I forgot to mention I would choke up just a tiny bit too. If you're a power hitter then it might not be for you but I always enjoyed spraying the ball being a doubles hitter and having fun in the art of base-running. We had a lot of power hitters and it just wasn't my forte but I was solid at what I did. I think the main thing is too have confidence in the batters box and not out think yourself. Walk into the box knowing that you are going to drive the ball and like somebody said before see it before it happens. Muscle memory is a funny thing!

 

i very much dissagre- you shouldnt change anything with your stance and straiding does not take away with powerthe only reason we step is for timing if you where to change how you hold the bat then your muscle memory would be all screwed up. I have probably hit a few million balls in my carrer and by just choking up you may increase bat speed but your connection will be all off becasue the sweet spot of your bat moves a lil closer toward you. This change is known memtally but not know physicaly to your muscles for it should be automatic on how you swing the bat.

If it is truly a slump chances are it is one of two things, mechanics or confidence and I think they are both cured in BP. Things like the 40 drill are excellent ways to build confidence and regain mechanics that have been lost due to " trying to get out of a slump". I think lack of confidence creates more slumps than mechanics. Mechanics are mostly muscle memory and when trying to get out of an 0 fer week young kids attempt to change things that have been successful for them in the past instead of remaining confident that the .400 avg they had last year and the year before wasn't a fluke. Lack of confidence causes most slumps and confidence will cure most slumps.