Posted by: tom.guerry (tom.guerry@kp.org) on Mon Jan 19 10:48:55 2004

We have brought up weight shift quite a bit but what I don't seem to see is
when does it actually shift and at what moment in the swing.I think it can be
different for different hitters.If a fb hitter just looks dead red he can shift harder
and more on auto pilot for 1 speed,but any pitch speed deviance and he is
done.For those that hit alot still on there own and I do think it well take some
feel not just looking at clips to assess properly,I think this is one area where
some head way can be made in hitting and how to teach getting to this point
consistently in a balanced position can help many people.
> I like kids to be aggressive and use a que of yes/yes/yes when reading
the pitch if we could get some correct timing cue on when to [not how to
]weightshift and tie it into the 2nd or 3rd yes or tie it into toe touch or heel plant
we could all get better.
>

rql-

here are some additional potential "weight shift requirements" which may be
part of what is necessary.Speculation perhaps worth experimenting with:

The hip is cocked when the stride foot is lifted,all weight at this point should
be carried on the inside of the back foot.

The weight/center of gravity shifts/accelerates forward on a line toward the
pitcher from this point until it is blocked at heel drop.

The weight/center of gravity needs to be at or past the midpoint(midpoint
between weight bearing portions of feet (where front foot will bear weight
even though it isn't down yet) and dropping some before the hips begin
turning forward.This is when you "wind the rubber band"-hips open after scap
loading has been underway for a bit so body coils and stretches,opening front
foot some as you "rotate into toe touch".

When the front heel drops,weight must still be behind weight bearing portion
of front foot.Then with "drop and tilt" forward weight shift stops as center of
gravity goes "UP" and/or back slightly by contact.