If your youth hitter feels stuck—constantly topping balls, losing power on inside pitches, or underperforming in game-time situations—you’re not alone. In today’s game, over-coaching mechanical perfection often robs athletes of their natural athleticism at the plate. In this exclusive Swing Smarter Hitting Training Podcast episode, elite hitting strategist Perry Husband reveals a science-backed, game-tested secret that could instantly change everything: the locked-out lead arm.
Forget the outdated “keep your hands inside the ball” drills. This episode uncovers why fully extending the front arm—not collapsing it—is the true key to maximizing barrel awareness, bat speed, and in-game exit velocity.
Whether you’re a baseball or softball parent, coach, or player, the insights here could save your athlete from years of frustrating plate struggles — and finally unlock their explosive potential.
In case you missed the other parts to Perry and my conversations, then here you go:
Many hitters—even MLB stars—unknowingly leak power by bending their front arms at contact, especially on inside pitches.
Perry shares real data showing that a bent lead arm can drop exit velocities from 101 mph down to a weak 73 mph.
Quote from Perry:
“When you bend that arm, you’re always going to be less than max. Lock it out, and you unleash the full leverage of your swing.”
The old drill of keeping your hands tight to the body (belly button drill) kills bat speed.
Perry explains that true barrel control and inside paths come from locked-out leverage, not collapsed, short arms.
Keeping the front arm extended maximizes kinesthetic awareness and reduces swing mishits, especially against velocity.
Perry details the groundbreaking Effective Velocity (EV) principles that show how the fastest swings are built:
Up and in fastballs require higher EV recognition.
A longer, locked-out arm path better matches those speeds.
Expert Comparison: Even elite players like Mike Trout lose power up in the zone because of bent-arm compensation.
Locked-out hitters? They crush those pitches consistently.
Here’s a powerful yet simple drill Perry and Joey recommend you try immediately:
Set a tee 18–24 inches out in front of the plate (where real contact happens).
Focus on swinging with a fully extended front arm, skipping the barrel “across a table” without dropping or smashing into it.
Build feel by keeping slight wrist tension—not rigid, but firm—and skip the barrel across an imaginary flat surface.
This resets muscle memory, promoting fluid, powerful movement instead of tension or swing steering.
Heavy bat training (like using properly designed overload bats) helps hitters maintain form under real in-game force.
Perry explains how a weak front side gets exposed when hitters can’t maintain leverage against heavy or high-velocity pitches.
Training with added resistance forces better mechanics naturally—without overthinking.
Related Resource:
👉 Smart Overload Bats at TheStartingLineupStore.com – Use code GET5OFF to save!
Without mastering front arm leverage:
Your hitter risks losing power when it matters most—especially on tough fastballs up and in.
Timing gets harder, barrel control drops, and confidence fades.
With Perry Husband’s approach:
Hitters unlock effortless bat speed.
They maintain barrel awareness across the entire strike zone.
They build real confidence knowing their swing holds up under pressure.
Ready to Unlock Your Hitter’s True Potential?
🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode here:
👉 Unlocking Elite Power: Perry Husband’s Science-Backed Secrets to Boost Exit Velocity & Fix Youth Hitting Flaws
📚 Plus, explore related resources:
Swing Shift Daily Hitting System – Build fluidity, timing, and effortless barrel control with 3–5 minute daily video lessons.