Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Tue Aug 7 20:14:32 2012

Hi All

I often get e-mails and calls from fastpitch coaches asking if the Rotational Mechanics taught at Batspeed.com and in our Instructional DVDs would work for girl's softball. Their main concern is that the baseball swing mechanics we teach are too long and not quick enough for their sport. They are also worried that the baseball swing plane may not work for rise-balls and the lower release found in fastpitch.

To ease their concerns, I pointed out that girls who exhibit Rotational Mechanics (CHP & Torque) are actually quicker to the ball than those fastpitch hitters using Linear Mechanics. I also pointed out that Video Analysis of batters in the MLB World Series showed they used the same mechanics and swing plane for "submarine pitchers" as for the high release pitchers. The submarine pitchers release point was only 8 to 9 inches above the ground. That is about 18 inches lower than the release point of most fastpitch pitchers.

Here is a side-by-side comparison clip of a couple of fastpitch hitters exhibiting Rotational Mechanics in the WCWS.

Balko and Mesa in the WCWS --

Here is a side-by-side of good fastpitch and baseball hitters.

Balco and Dustin side-by-side --

Note: See all of Batspeed.com Youtube Videos at - MrBatspeed Page

Jack Mankin