Why Kids Roll Over Ground Balls When They Hit, And The Simple Fix Most Parents Never Try
Parents ask me this all the time.
“My kid keeps rolling over everything. Why can’t they just hit the ball hard up the middle?”
Here is the truth. Rolling over usually isn’t a swing problem. It almost always comes from timing. When young hitters start too early, the barrel sneaks around the ball. That creates weak grounders, usually to the left side for righties. The real fix is helping them learn how to wait a little longer. You do not start by changing mechanics. You start by improving timing.
Why Kids Get Early
When pitchers get set, young hitters feel pressure. They rush. They think they need to swing now. That anxious feeling speeds everything up.
Timing in games matters a lot. Hitters should begin their load when the pitcher separates their hands. This moment is the true start of the throwing motion.
If they load when the pitcher lifts the leg, they start too early and jump at the ball.
If they load when the ball is already in the air, they are already too late and forced to guess.
Teach your child to match their start with the pitcher’s start. This one timing anchor solves more contact problems than most parents realize.
The Barry Larkin Drill
Try this simple timing drill at home or at the field.
Set a tee on the outside corner and place a ball on it.
Stand in front and toss regular pitches to the middle or inside part of the zone. This trains good contact from middle to pull side.
Every third or fourth toss, fake the throw. Keep the ball in your hand.
That fake toss is the hitter’s cue to swing at the ball on the tee to the opposite field.
Your hitter should already have the front foot down when you fake the toss. They should stay balanced and react quickly to drive the outside pitch where it belongs. If they forward, fall off balance, or hit both balls at once, it means they are not staying back long enough. The goal is a steady body, calm head, and clean move to the outside pitch.
Why This Works
This drill is powerful because it helps hitters:
• Stay calm instead of jumpy.
• Build patience at the beginning of the swing.
• Delay the barrel so it does not roll out early.
• Develop smooth timing that transfers straight to games.
Most kids stop rolling over faster when their timing improves, not when their mechanics change.
Final Thought
A hitter who learns to start at the right time becomes a hitter who stays behind the ball and drives more clean line drives. Better timing builds better swings. It also builds confidence, which is what young hitters need most.
Next week, we will break down why so many young hitters struggle with inside pitches and how to help them handle those confidently without fear.
Next Step
Try the Barry Larkin Drill during your next hitting session. Keep it light and fun. Tell your hitter their only job is to stay calm and match the pitcher’s start. If you try it, let me know how it goes. I love hearing about your child’s progress and helping you take the next step in their baseball journey.
