Posted by: Jack Mankin (mrbatspeed@aol.com) on Mon Dec 15 02:21:17 2003

>>> Jack,

This really goes to the heart of the matter in our differences.

As it is in golf, the weight must always be between the legs, which makes the hip sockets the key to hip action.

The only reason the toe get's down ahead of heel is because it wins the race........nothing else. Length of stride has nothing to do with heel and toe being closer together.

Thanks Jack. <<<

Hi Coach C

You stated, “As it is in golf, the weight must always be between the legs, which makes the hip sockets the key to hip action.” --- With most great hitters (except those with long strides), the forward or lateral movement of their axis and hips comes to a stop before they initiate rotation. Therefore, it would have to be the legs (especially the extension of the lead-leg) that drive the hip sockets around.

You also stated, “The only reason the toe get's down ahead of heel is because it wins the race........nothing else.” --- Hip rotation is restricted when a batter lands flatfooted (heel and toe tie in the race) in the closed position. As the hips begin to rotate, stress builds up in the lead-leg and knee restricting rotation as long as the foot remains flat and closed.

I do teach striding to a fairly closed foot while keeping ample flex in the knee at toe plant. But to avoid the problem mentioned above, I have the student keep the heel elevated at toe plant. They rotate and lower the heel back toward the catcher to initiate the swing. This causes the knee to rotate around toward the pitcher, which eliminates any bind and results in good hip rotation as the lead-leg extends. – My cue for initiating the swing is …. Rotate the heel & Rotate the bat-head.

Coach C, You have made many good points in your posts to the board. But regarding your statement: “Length of stride has nothing to do with heel and toe being closer together” --- Let us just agree to disagree.

Jack Mankin