Posted by: Coach J () on Fri May 14 17:12:23 2004

on another forum i frequent a thread has started about shortening up the swing or changing the swing on a two strike count...what kind of coach would suggest changing a swing because of pitch count? This "coach" suggesting shortening up striding less etc etc slapping or whatever it takes...and these shmooes teach our kids.Should a hitter EVER change his swing because of pitch count?

When nyou say shorten the swing and changing the swing, I think your saying two different things. I like to coach "short and quick" instead of saying two strike swing. With less than two strikes a hitter may look for a pitch in his comfort zone, the one he can drive. With two strikes he does not have that luxury and must be prepared to hit all areas of the strike zone even foul off some, as previously mentioned. Many hitters think short and quick with two strikes, some choke up, some shorten the swing or lessen the effort as Coach C indicated. I don't view these as really changing the swing but a different effort. I like the example Coach C gave chipping in golf.

So I would respond to your last question as sure many hitters change their swing with two strikes, not their mechanics just their approach to the situation.