WHO’S ON BASE
Joey Cunha, founder of The Farm System. Works with Division I and professional hitters. Former struggling college player who became obsessed with understanding why hitters break down — now teaching coaches, parents, and players how to build better movement using data and simple feedback.
THE 3 BIGGEST PROBLEMS (WHAT YOU SEE WITH YOUTH HITTERS)
1) Jumping / lunging out of the backside
Players try to create power before they’re strong enough to rotate efficiently.
What it looks like: drifting forward, getting out over the front side, back leg getting long early, “can’t stay back.”
👟 Why shoes matter: A stable, balanced base helps players stay grounded under load instead of jumping forward to create power.
2) Front shoulder flying off / pulling away
Athletes load the backside and yank with it, pulling themselves off the ball.
What it looks like: head pulling off, front shoulder collapsing, losing the back of the zone.
👟 Why shoes matter: Consistent traction and a stable platform allow rotation to happen from the middle instead of relying on upper-body compensation.
3) Poor sequencing (no “whip”)
Rotating as one piece instead of transferring energy up the chain.
The goal: hips → torso → arms → barrel.
👟 Why shoes matter: When the foot stays connected to the ground without slipping or over-gripping, sequencing becomes easier to feel and repeat.
THE 3 KEYS (THE FARM SYSTEM PILLARS)
Spacing
Can you square the ball up?
Direction
Can you stay through it and stay adjustable?
Force Transmission
Can you actually move energy from the ground into the bat?
SQAIRZ baseball shoes support all three by providing predictable traction and a stable platform that works with natural foot mechanics instead of fighting them.
THE 3 BEST AT-HOME DRILLS (START TODAY)
1) Yoga Blocks
Stand on two yoga blocks and take swings.
Teaches staying grounded and exposes lunging or spinning immediately.
2) Double Farm Boards + Heavy Ball Toss
Boards under each foot with heavy balls on front toss.
Joey calls this the “penicillin drill” because it cleans up multiple issues at once — anchoring the lower half and improving force transfer.
3) Heavy Bag / Tire Strikes
Strike a heavy object at zone height.
Teaches sequencing, bracing, and real energy transfer through contact.
Stable footwear amplifies all three drills by keeping feedback clean and consistent at the feet.
LIGHTNING ROUND (FAST HITS)
Favorite swing: Miguel Cabrera
Most overrated cue: “Squish the bug”
Most underrated skill: Your C-swing (adjustability)
5-minute go-to drill: Double Farm Boards + heavy balls
Coach reminder: Hitting is hard — help kids love the game first.
WHY SQAIRZ BASEBALL SHOES HELP
The breakdowns Joey talks about show up at the feet first.
When players wear shoes that provide:
• Consistent traction on turf and hard surfaces
• A stable, balanced platform
• Room for natural foot movement
• Reliable ground connection
They stop compensating and start moving better.
SQAIRZ help hitters stay grounded, rotate efficiently, and transfer force — so training actually carries over to the game.