ATHLETICISM · AGES 7–12
Power starts from the ground.
Young players sometimes try to create power only with their arms. Real bat speed starts with an athletic body that can push, turn and stay balanced.
Bat speed for young players starts with an athletic body that can push, turn and stay balanced—not with swinging the arms harder. Running, jumping, throwing and jump-and-stick landings build the foundation for power at 12U.
Train it: 30-Day Athletic Development →That does not mean 12U players need adult workouts. It means they should run, jump, throw, climb, play and learn to control their bodies.
Jump and stick
Do five small jumps. Each time, land quietly and hold the landing for two seconds. This teaches the body to create force and control it.
Throw and turn
Use a light ball, a rolled-up sock or a safe foam object. Make a simple athletic throw, then take an easy tee swing. Players will feel that their whole body can help create speed.
Power is not “swing as hard as possible”
Good power uses balance and intent together. A player who can stay athletic through contact will create better force than one who falls over trying to hit a home run every swing.
Parent cue: Praise athletic effort: quick feet, a strong landing, a balanced swing. Those are the building blocks of future power.
Parent questions
How can my child hit the ball harder?
Build athleticism and balance first. A player who stays athletic through contact creates better force than one who falls over swinging as hard as possible.
Should 12U players lift weights for hitting power?
They do not need adult workouts. Running, jumping, throwing, climbing and learning to land and control their body build the base for future power.
What is a simple power drill for kids?
Jump and stick: five small jumps, landing quietly and holding each landing for two seconds. Then do an athletic throw followed by an easy tee swing.