Posted by: Graylon (g_dunc@hotmail.com) on Mon Dec 3 15:15:31 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

Jimmy,

I agree with alot of what you have said before but to say that if you land with an open foot your heel will be the first thing to touch is simpily not true. If you have a firm back leg to load against, not on, and a firm bent front knee you can land on your toe at touch down even if it is opened. You can remain balanced or weight slightly forward of balance. Why would you, in this position, be susceptible to swinging at pitches that you should not swing at? The front toe opening is not "go". If the lower body torques against the upper body and you send the barrel rearward you are creating bat speed before "go". You can still abort the swing.

Now I do think that you can land with a closed front foot as long as it is opened prior to heel plant.

The reason I teach striding to a slightly opened front toe is that most of my students were taught Linear Mechanics and they have a tendency to never get there front foot open and they are impeding there hip rotation. Also, I believe that with the toe slightly opened it allows the hitter to clear his front hip easier. Which in turn allows freer hip rotation.

I do agree with you about the heel landing naturally and not being forced down. But if you are staying back, your heel does have to get down.

Again, Jimmy, this may be one of those times when we have a different approach and still get the same result.

Graylon