Best Top-Hand Hitting Drills to Fix Bat Drag, Stop Scooping & Hit Game-Ready Line Drives Fast
Why Over-Swinging Is Killing Your Kid’s Hitting—And What Pro Coaches Do Instead
If you’re a baseball or softball parent, coach, or athlete frustrated with inconsistent contact, lazy fly balls, or hitters getting under everything—they’re probably working harder than they need to.
In this eye-opening Swing Smarter podcast episode, former Diamondbacks hitting coach Xen Penny drops truth bombs about what really builds powerful, game-ready swings. Spoiler: it’s not about swinging harder or chasing exit velocity.
From simplifying the swing to mastering true bat path, this episode cuts through the noise and delivers real talk from the trenches—including drills used at the pro level that your youth hitter can start using today.
🎯 Episode Highlights: Actionable Gold for Every Hitter
💡 Stop Coaching Fake Power.
Xen calls out the “dingers and doubles” culture for promoting side-spin and false results. His message? Stop chasing numbers and start building hitters who compress the ball with real backspin and barrel control.
🔁 Rotation Isn’t Everything.
“You don’t need to rotate hard to drive a pitch away,” Xen says. In fact, over-rotation destroys timing and opposite-field power. Instead, focus on upper body compression and finish control.
📏 Think Vertical, Not Around.
Forget scooping or cutting across. Learn how to keep the bat path north-to-south, staying through the ball longer, and avoiding the dreaded roll-over or pop-up.
🔥 The Fungo Slider Drill (A Game-Changer).
Xen shares a fungo drill using inside and outside breaking balls to teach timing, depth, and connection. “It’s better than the velo machine,” he says—and the results speak for themselves.
🎯 Performance > Preference.
Whether you’re coaching 10-year-olds or college athletes, Xen emphasizes adapting to what works over what looks good. That includes letting kids “scissor” or “anchor” naturally—because results > aesthetics.
💬 Favorite Quote:
“Hit what you’re gonna get, not what you want to hit.” — Xen Penny
This one quote alone could change your hitter’s approach overnight.
🔗 Related Resources on HittingPerformanceLab.com:
- 🧠 Swing Shift Daily Hitting Program – Arm your hitter with daily 3–5 minute hitting lessons, swing drills, mindset training, and more!
- 🛠️ The Starting Lineup Store – Explore elite hitting tools and swing trainers used by top coaches and players.
- Follow Xen Penny’s insights on Twitter (𝕏): @XenPenny
🎧 Don’t Miss the Full Interview:
👉 Discover the real secrets to power and consistency from a pro coach who’s trained elite hitters at every level.
🎙️ Click here to listen now — and bring this info to your next cage session.
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With 28,000+ online bat speed program sales, my methods have transformed coaches, instructors, and parents just like you. I'm affiliated with esteemed organizations like ABCA, IYCA, and SABR, advocating for positive coaching. With 15+ years in corrective fitness and a Division One baseball background, my knowledge is unmatched.
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