Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Tue Jun 20 15:13:54 2000

>>>I apologize for repeating posts on this subject, but I could not get through to you.

I have noticed, however, that you, in your article, state that hip rotation is derived by "both legs pushing in opposite direction.

My question is:

IF I GET INTO MY NORMAL STANCE, IS THERE ANY WAY I CAN PROVE THIS BY ATTEMPTING TO PUSH MY LEGS IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS--COULD YOU BRIEFLY DESCRIBE HOW I COULD GET THE FEEL OF BOTH LEGS PUSHING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS, AND TO MAXIMIZE THAT FEELING???? <<<

Hi BHL

In your earlier post you ask me to prove that using both legs would generate more hip rotation than just driving forward with the back leg. I thought the answer was so obvious that it didn’t require proof. – Like: Can you do more pushups using both arms as you could with one.

BHL, in order to rotate around a stationary axis (the spine), both legs must be used. We want the center of the body to remain still as the hips and shoulders rotate. For this to happen the front leg must push the front hip back toward the catcher at the same rate the back leg pushes the back hip around toward the pitcher. ---It is very important to note that rotating around a stationary axis means the lead shoulder is arcing back toward the catcher as the bat approaches contact (for pitches from the middle-in). It is the pulling back of the lead shoulder that pulls the lead arm (and knob end of the bat) back for applying bottom-hand-torque to the bat.

When you post the front leg and only drive the back hip forward, the center of rotation becomes the front hip. This also means the lead shoulder remains stationary as the back shoulder comes forward. --- With the lead shoulder remaining stationary, there is no pulling back of the knob end of the bat – therefor there is no bottom hand torque being applied and a great deal of bat speed is lost.

After you take your stride, make sure both knees are well flexed and pointing toward the plate. Remember that forward motion of the body and rotation does not take place at the same time. The body comes to forward rest before rotation begins. Rotating the lead knee around toward the pitcher starts hip rotation. As the back leg drives the back hip forward, straightening the lead knee drives the lead hip backward. --- Hope this helps.

Jack Mankin