Posted by: Donny Buster (donnybstr@aol.com) on Sun Jun 1 07:19:13 2003

On May the 6th a reader asked about this training aid. I would like to repond as follows.

First, since it deals with that controversial word "stride" , I must weigh in here. Simply defined a stride is placing the front foot forward. The hitting gurus ( and I say that with great respect) having diferent opinions about its' usefulness as do I.

Yes the Stayback Tee can eliminate or reduce it But there is more to the story.

A stride is bad IF:

It is used as the primary timing mechanism

It is used in an attempt to accelerate the bat.

A stride is good :

If a player desires to uses it to go from a narrow waiting position to a wider foot position to maximize the hip thrust and is still able to execute a rotational swing using your criteria.

If you believe these statements then it can help you coach some kids with this problem. Certain areas in the US are far more advanced in player skills than others.

I here the word "gimmick" used often concerning questions about hitting aids. Some are I am sure. But before you label consider that all kids don't understand scapula pinch, X - angle, torque, cocked hands, and elbow slot. I do because I read these groups and study continuously. I have a printed out library of your posts that are invaluable to me.

When you take away the forward lunge they listen better. Yes , they still need coaching and plenty of it.