• The first lesson is free and includes a slow-motion video evaluation of the hitter's swing.
• After the initial free swing evaluation, each follow-on private lesson is $10 for a one-hour lesson, $35 for four lessons.  That's 4 private lessons for less than the price of a single group lesson elsewhere.
• Want to learn with a friend or sibling?  I now offer semi-private lessons for two players at a time for $15 ($7.50 each) per lesson, or $50 ($25 each) for four lessons.  Each lesson will be 1 hour and 15 minutes.

How can I offer lessons for so little?  Simple - I  have a real job that pays the bills, so I can teach hitting for the love of the game, not for the money.  I charge a nominal fee to help cover expenses for the web site and to support my addiction to Starbucks coffee. 

I recommend a minimum of four lessons, as mastering the swing takes time and practice.  However, you may take as many or as few lessons as you like.  In fact, you are under no obligation to take any lessons after the initial, free swing evaluation.

FACILITIES

I teach in a net-enclosed area in the basement of my home in Olney.  It’s not a full-sized batting cage and I don’t have a regular pitching machine.  The goal of the lessons is to improve the hitter’s swing mechanics.  This is actually best done without pitched balls because it allows the hitter to focus on his swing rather than the ball.  I recommend that the hitter augment his lessons with trips to a regular batting cage to work on using his improved swing on pitched balls.

I use the following training aids in my lessons:

• A hitting net
• An anti-uppercut batting tee
• A Mauer’s Quickswing
• A soft-toss machine
• A Blue Flame pitching machine
• A Grand Slam pitching machine
• Swift Stick training bat.

The Grand Slam machine (right) pitches golf-ball sized whiffle balls.  The hitter uses the Swift Stick bat, which is as wide as a broom handle and lighter than a regular bat.  The hitter really has to focus and use good mechanics to hit the small ball with the thin bat. 

To schedule a lesson or just get more information, please contact me, Phil Plante, by phone or e-mail:

• Phone:  301-924-1549.  If you get the answering machine, please leave a message and I'll return your call. 

• E-mail:  phil@swingthebat.net

I am an active member (MBR-338546) of the National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA).  References available.

- Phil Plante