Posted by: Joe A. (Mgtsupport@AOL.com) on Mon Jul 3 06:08:28 2000

Hi Jack,
>
> I am the webmaster at the Fastpitch Forum. There has been some intensive discussion of your batting methods in the hitting conference. So I ordered your tape and viewed it.
>
> My impression is that it is similar to the Tim Timmons method of rotational hitting mechanics.
> He spends much more time on the proper stance which he says is:
> 1. No Stride
> 2. Knees Bent
> 3. Right arm up (in back)
> 4. Bat resting on right arm not shoulder in horizontal posistion.
> 5. No wrapping of bat
> Similarities include:
> 1. Using both hips
> 2. Launching the bat off the shoulder with hip turn.
> 3. Emphasizing wrist snap...top hand pushes bottom hand pulls.
>
> Can you comment on similarities and differences between you and TT style.
>
> Also might daughter plays 16 U and goes to the team coach. He teaches to keept the FRONT shoulder closed as long as possible to prevent from pulling the ball. I'm certain he would have a fit if he saw the front shoulder opening prior to bat contact as much as you suggest. Any comments?
>
> Also how does one "aim" the ball with your technique. Suppose I want to hit a ball to center field. With all that shoulder rotation won't everything be pulled ?
>
> BTW I have about 6000 users on the FPF. Could exposure for your if you care to drop by and discuss your mechanics.
>
> http://compchat.com:8080/~1
>
> One last thing...do you have the names of any of your students in Orange County. Since I live here I'd like to see their hitting in action so I can convince my daughter to try it.
>
> Mr. Timmons,

I have read your questions to Jack and will also be awaiting the answer. But, I have some comments on your comment, the most important one is near the end where you say you would like to see some of Jack's students "so I can convince my daughter to try it" meaning Jacks methds.

To me this indicates a common error in thinking about hitting. That error is that you can develop hitting skills by finding some magical tip or trick that will allow you to hit.

Learning to hit is a long process of developing specific skills incorportated into the swing. These mechanics must be learned and practiced so they become automatic. Once the swing is automatic the hitter puts all her focus on tracking the ball, thinking of nothing esle.

This process can take a couple of weeks. Hitters can't just "try" another method without disgarding the one they are using and working hard for many hours on the new one.

The fact that you are trying to find another method to "convicne my daughter to try" tells me she is being taught gimmicks and tricks that can be set aside to try something else and go back to if the new gimmic dosent work.

Of course this is the state of hitting instruction today and is why I belive that while many think that pitchers are dominate in softball the real probple is poor hitting.

Joe A.