The Ultimate Guide to “Squish the Bug”
Baseball and Fastpitch Softball
This The Ultimate Guide to “Squish the Bug” article was excerpted from our new book, The Ultimate Hitting Fundamentals, Techniques, and Strategy Guide (click for book details).
For recommendations on how and when to use various training methods (dry, heavy bag, pylos, tee, toss, live, machine, etc.) and shop for practical and durable equipment, click on the link Hitting Training Methods and Aids.
Introduction
Squish the bug is a way of introducing core rotation to younger players. First, the hitter pivots on the ball of the rear foot. Then, as they do so, they push the ball of the foot into the ground, thereby squashing the bug. This action has the effect of turning the hips.
Coaches separate into two different “parties” based on how they believe successful hitters implement core rotation:
Party 1 – Squish the Bug
Squish the Bug
Some coaches proclaim weight never transfers forward. Instead, hitters swing with at least half of their weight remaining on the rear foot.
An anonymous coach:
“The weight transfer is from back to the middle. The back foot remains in solid contact with the ground. The hitter must not let the bug escape before he squashes it!” (Anonymous, Hitting Forum, 2012)
Now a Major League Baseball Hitting coach:
“First, the lower half. The back knee will start to press and turn inward once the swing is started. Many young hitters try to extend the back knee, which is wrong. “Squash the bug” is a good saying because it makes the hitter use his back knee to transfer the power and weight to the hands. A hitter never wants to be out on his front foot. He wants to have his weight balanced throughout his swing.” (Major League Hitting Philosophy, n.d.)
Party 2 – Un-weight Rear Foot
Many other coaches assert “squish the bug” causes hitters to:
- Hit with substantial weight on their rear foot.
For a hitter to forcefully engage their hips into the swing, weight must come off the rear foot. The forward transfer of bodyweight (during the approach phase) coming up against a firm front side enables un-weighting the back foot. When this happens, core rotation can occur smoothly without resistance.
- Lose the energy built up during gather and approach.
The energy built up by the legs working against the ground must be transferred smoothly to the rotating hips. When squish the bug turns the rear ankle, which turns the back knee, which turns the hips, this breaks the energy chain created by previous kinetic links. Just as the driver who “rides the brakes” while pushing the gas pedal, squish the bug acts as a “brake” to core rotation.
Squish the Bug Easily Misperceived
Whether the hitter turns to toe or pivots on the ball of the back foot can be challenging to identify when viewed at game speed. Body mass rebounds off the firm front side very quickly, bouncing the hitter into squishing the bug position during the follow-through (image above bottom). But with the advent of clear, slow motion video, great hitters can be seen transferring nearly all of their weight to the front leg during their approach. With few exceptions, the rear foot becomes un-weighted by contact (image above top).
Pure Rotational
A small minority of professional and college hitters have a squish the bug position at contact. With experienced hitters, this is usually the result of a “pure” rotational strategy where there is little or no forward (linear) movement of the torso during the hitter’s approach. At least half of bodyweight remains on the rear foot at contact.
Yes, Barry Bonds hit off his back foot. He also used circular hand path, top hand torque, bottom hand torque, and circular extension techniques to generate tremendous bat speed (learn more in our new hitting fundamentals book The Ultimate Guide to Hitting Fundamentals, Techniques, and Strategies). Barry’s hitting style was and still is unique in many ways.
Squish the Bug – Final Thoughts
Over 95% of High-Level hitters transfer nearly their entire body weight to the front leg at the moment of impact.
Un-weighted Rear Foot at Contact (Universal)
The hips leading rear ankle and shoulders followed by a pivot to toe is one of the defining techniques of the High-Level swing. Golfers, quarterbacks, pitchers, tennis players, and many other athletes also release or make contact with nearly all weight on the front foot.
Pertinent Drills Available in our Hitting Training Guide
The Ultimate Hitting Training Guide (click the link for details about our new drills book):
- Tool XIV: Universal Leg Drills, Drill IV – Rear Knee Hinge Drill.
- Tool XIV: Universal Leg Drills, Drill VI – Un-Weight Rear Foot Drill.
Other Hitting Debate Articles You May Find Interesting
Click the links below for further free articles:
Batting Stride: How Aggressive?
Out Front Hitting vs Let the Ball Travel?
Building Rome Series Books: Building the High-Level Swing Series
Click Building the High-Level Swing Series to learn more about our new book series containing a detailed and comprehensive description of 100 hitting fundamentals and 140 step-by-step drills that efficiently construct the batting swing from the ground up.
In the Building Rome Series of books, the construction of skills are in functional order, providing a “roadmap” to becoming a great hitter.
All baseball and fastpitch softball players can “climb the Roman Coliseum steps” to become powerful and productive hitters.
Enjoy the quest!
Loading ...
Ok, squish the bug or not! Your thoughts are appreciated! Submit a comment (no email required) or send us any question using our contact page and we will get right back to you. All the best – Gary.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
Thank you, your article surprised me, there is such an excellent point of view. Thank you for sharing, I learned a lot.
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article. http://ether-brl.cryptostarthome.com
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
Wow, I learned something new today. Thanks!
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Was looking for something different and found XSHN. Not bad at all! Plenty to see. I will be coming back soon!: xshn
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
I am sure this paragraph has touched all the internet users, its really really pleasant article on building up new web site.
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! However, how could we communicate?
I want to to thank you for this fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every bit of it. I have you book marked to check out new stuff you
I visited several sites however the audio quality for audio songs existing at this web site is in fact marvelous.
I am sure this paragraph has touched all the internet people, its really really pleasant post on building up new webpage.
If you are a fan of dark academia, this book is a quintessential read. A Wuthering Heights PDF fits perfectly into a digital library of classic, moody literature. The themes of death, the supernatural, and intense study (seen through the character of young Cathy) resonate with the aesthetic. The digital format allows you to read in low light, enhancing the gloomy, atmospheric vibe of the novel. It is a story that feels ancient and mythical, yet it is easily accessible through modern technology for anyone looking to add a touch of Gothic romance to their reading list.
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks! https://accounts.binance.info/zh-TC/register-person?ref=DCKLL1YD
There are moments in life that define us. For Belly, this summer is full of them. Jenny Han writes about these pivotal moments with clarity. The PDF of the book is a digital passport to Cousins Beach. The Summer I Turned Pretty is about the courage it takes to be honest about your feelings. It is a story about taking risks and getting hurt. It is a real and resonant read. https://thesummeriturnedprettypdf.site/ The Summer I Turned Pretty Book 2 Pdf Free Download
I am sure this paragraph has touched all the internet people, its really really pleasant paragraph on building up new web site.
If you enjoy romances that feature a clash of cultures and class, this book is for you. While both are wealthy, the divide between Dante’s old money arrogance and Vivian’s new money striving is vast. This adds a unique layer to their conflict. Finding a King of Wrath PDF is the first step to enjoying this layered narrative. The book doesn’t just focus on the romance; it also critiques the society in which they live. It is a smart, sexy, and sophisticated read that delivers on all its promises. https://kingofwrathpdf.ru/ King Of Wrath Ana Huang Pdf Download
There’s definately a great deal to know about this subject. I love all of the points you have made.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
I know this web site gives quality dependent content and additional data, is there any other site which presents these stuff in quality?
Hello to all, how is everything, I think every one is getting more from this website, and your views are good for new users.
Ahaa, its pleasant dialogue about this article here at this weblog, I have read all that, so at this time me also commenting at this place.
I will right away take hold of your rss as I can not in finding your e-mail subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly allow me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.