Posted by: Rich () on Mon Jan 19 19:51:40 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.
>
> Hey Tom,
I agree with everything you said. i think that when the weight goes forward at toe touch the front knee acts as a shock absorber and bends slightly. then as "gravity goes up" this is fueled by the straightening of the front leg. truely enjoy your deeply thought out posts... be well, Rich
>
> Hey RQL,
I absolutley love your approach to hitting when in the batters box. aggressive, attacking style keeps you in command. when you're in the batters box you're on OFFENSE... you're not protecting the plate, you're attaching the ball!!!! bravo, you're well on your way to good production... however.
If you're in the box and thinking yes,yes,yes, you're doing yourself a disservice. why? because you're THINKING and thinking is not allowed when the ball is on the way. there are two halves to our brains. the left reasons and tries to figure things out. too late when the ball is on the way... 4 tenths of 1 second to hit it. so we want our brains to be opperating in the right side of our brains. that side is the creative and relaxed side. if you have successfully got your mind in the right side then you are in the ZONE... when in the ZONE you can act AUTOMATICALLY to the pitch. the state of NO THINKING puts you into the right side. you have to practice getting into that state right now... if you can sit there and not think one single thought for 2 seconds i'll give you a 100 bucks!!! i'm asking for one second in the batters box. no thought relaxes you. it allows your body to do what you've been practicing all week to do in the batter box but don't, because you won't ALLOW IT TO!!!! because your THINKING yes,yes,yes... just like practicing your swing, you have to practice your state of being in the box. think all you want as you're getting your sign and checking the gaps. but once both feet are in the box start relaxing(find the best technique that works for you...hint: breathing)and getting ready to NOT THINK and in turn entering the ZONE. this in no way alters your aggressive approach. it will give you more faith in your body knowing what to do and WHEN to do it. NOW the key: you must practice getting into this state as diligently as i know you practic your swing... if you do you will be amazed. all the best, Rich