Posted by: tom.guerry (tom.guerry@kp.org) on Sat Nov 8 10:06:46 2003

I hope it can be answered in a straight forward, understandable
way. Let's say a hitter times his stride for a fastball (yes, I know
some say to time for an inbetween-speed pitch, like a slider, and
then adjust).But let's say I time for a fastball.What is the
SPECIFIC technique for adjusting when, for example the pitch is
a change up? Do you somehow delay the front toe plant? Do you
have front toe touch down but delay front heel plant? Do you have
front toe and heel plant, and then just "wait" a split second?
>
> Please, I welcome the advice but what I really do not want or
need is theory about anticipating the pitch, etc.I do not consider
this to be unimportant, I just wish to focus on the SPECIFIC
technique (and involving which specific body parts)to adjust to a
slower-than-anticipated pitch. Thank you.

Try to be short and concise ? No fair !

#1 Don't ask your body to perform miracles.If you are geared up
for fastball,don't swing at the change.This is a bad plan.

But ,ingeneral,how do you go about adjusting to off speed/give
yourself more time if the pitch is slower than you are geared up
for/already underway for ?

There are at least 2 limiting factors mechanically that have to be
dealt with.If you think that good predictable consistent swing
timing comes from launch interrupting load,then at some point
the loading gets too long/overstretched and adequate timing is
impossible without reloading which shouldn't work for a good
change of speed (I am reminded of Arod reloading for a homer
after el duque gave him the ephus pitch twice in the same at
bat,bad strategy as Arod was capable of reloading).

The second factor is that the center of gravity of the body is
coming forward.Once you get too far out front(center of gravity at/
beyond weight bearing portion of front foot) a reliable launch/
good timing is no longer possible.

Remember that the upper body and lower body will also want to
stay coordinated.scap load will want to happen as the stride leg
goes out,then the front foot will want to start opening as the back
elbow drops to assist coiling of the spine going into toe touch.

I think Epstein has the best adjustment ideas.

1- shorten up the swing by rotating the body open in the stance
but maintaining relationship of body center to plate/strike
zone,striding along heel line-see his stuff(Big breakthrough on
his part,significantly different from most of ted Williams
recommended adjustments).In this case the idea is you get
more time for recognition so you pick up/recognize the off speed
earlier.(But you should probably be geared up for the inbetween
speed).

2-you are way ahead and have to buy time- "sit on back leg"

The main thing this does is slow the weight transfer forward so
you don't get caught out front.But a lot of other total body
adjustments are needed to make this work.This will tilt your axis
back more and create a longer uppercutting swing which is a
good way to slow down without interrupting overall
mechanics.You could also lengthen your stride and emphasize
scap load/relatively delay the back elbow coming down/front foot
opening.You can also try to accentuate the "pause"(have to still
be coiling) at toe touch before heel drop.This will lengthen the
swing radius/back elbow further from side/lead arm longer/
higher load after launch,less turn to contact.Then if you are still
early you can disconnect/cast/get off the merrygoround/inside-
out things by pushing the hands on the approach to contact.