Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Wed Nov 28 00:39:48 2007

Hi Gentlemen

I have often pointed out in my description of the “Inward Turn” (of the lead-shoulder) produces 30+ degrees of separation between the hips and shoulders in the launch position. This stretches the torso muscles sufficiently for powerful contraction. However, I would also point out that the hips remain fairly straightaway as the lead-shoulder rotates inward. And, as the baseball swing is initiated, the hips normally open only 4 or 5 degrees before the shoulders start their rotation. Therefore it is not the rotation of the hips that produces most of the separation.

My Problem with the “X Factor”, as related to the baseball swing, is two fold.
(1) Most coaches contend that it is the rotation of the hips while resisting shoulder rotation that produces the “stretch” – or separation. When actually, hip rotation before the shoulder rotate accounts for only a very small part of it.

(2) To many coaches, the greater the “X Factor”, or separation, the more the torso muscles are stretched and therefore the greater the “rubber band” effect – which they claim produces a quicker and a more powerful rotation. Rotation of what, I am not sure. Many of them do not believe shoulder rotation is even a factor in transferring rotational energy to the bat. – Video analysis does not support the “Max Separation” concept (in the baseball swing).

Jack Mankin