Posted by: Kajun Coach (bkamm17@bellsouth.net) on Wed Dec 10 18:30:45 2003

Recently, I discussed an issue regarding the front foot with a fellow coach. We were trying to reach a conclusion on the proper angle of the foot after the stride. I know that most linear guys teach to land with a completely closed front foot, but I am trying to teach rotational mechanics. I have noticed that most Major League hitters land slightly open(45 degrees or less). What is a general rule for position of the stride foot at landing? I teach my players to land slightly open, but it is difficult to get people to believe this when some local college coaches are teaching that you must land closed(they teach linear mechanics). Any thoughts?
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> By the way, I just started reading this discussion board. It is truely the best that I have found for hitting discussions! Keep up the good work.
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Rocket,

I personally have had luck teaching kids to take a soft step and land on the big toe or ball of the foot. The foot will land slightly open and the body's weight will stay centered as if it were on an axis. When the hitter rotates, the foot will comfortably end up in approximately 45 degrees. I hope this helps you.