Posted by: dougdinger () on Wed Jul 30 19:32:27 2003

Hi Jack,
> >
> > Thanks for the great video, also still having fun
> > with the bat speed indicator.
> >
> > I'm wondering if you find alot of people having problems with contacting the ball too far out in front when trying to learn these new mechanics.
> >
> > I practice on a heavy bag per the tapes instructions, but when I go out to hit off the tee I find my self moving toward the back of the box for what feels to be a more comfortable
> > hitting position. ( Linear mechanics trying to creep back in ? ) Hope this is just a common part of the learning process.
> >
> > Any and all help appreciated. Thanks
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
> I believe that Jack shows the heavy bag WAY too far out front in the video. In the perfect situation, contact should be made even with the front knee. If I'm correct, Jack shows the heavy bag in front of the front foot. The only ball you will hit at that contact point will be pulled way foul.

First, I don't believe that the perfect situation means you should hit the ball even with your front knee. It depends on where the pitch is, so I don't see one, single perfect situation. Every hitter has their own perfect situation.
Second, I find making contact more out front is easier, because if you wait till the ball is even with your front knee or whatever, you have to follow the ball with your head, moving your head in towards the body. Less head movement allows more visibility of the ball, hence better contact.
But..like I said everyone is different. If you can hit with the ball even with your front, then by all means don't change that. Some players may hit the ball in front of their knee and pull it foul. Others, like myself, I can hit the ball in front of my front foot for a single over the middle infielders.