Posted by: Jimmy () on Sun Dec 2 13:41:22 2007

The point to this whole discussion is that all MLB hitters touch the dirt with the toe area of the foot touching first, not the heel. They do this because this is where they are strongest and most balanced.

That being said...It is also EASIER to land with the toe portion of the foot first if the entire foot is closed (square). If the foot opens prior to touchdown, the heel will be the first portion of the foot to touch the ground.

In any sport an athlete is most balanced when his weight is more toward his toes.

It is easier to control which pitches we swing at with a closed (square) front toe at touchdown. (this is the most important part of hitting MLB pitching).

If a hitter TRIES to open that foot up prior to any part of the foot touching the ground, he makes himself more susceptible to swinging at pitches that he should not swing at.

So why would anyone teach a hitter to land any other way than closed (square).

I know that some hitters in the Big Leagues are open or slightly open with the foot by the time the heel lands but they are still touching down in a closed position.

I also know that that we should let the heel land naturally after the toe area lands, not purposely forcing the foot open.

Jimmy