Posted by: Coach C () on Fri May 28 01:19:22 2004

Mark,
> > > Nothing happens in a swing untill the front foot hits, same with pitching...once the front foot hits everything else happens. It is important when you are teaching younger hitters to stay closed with that front foot and make sure they are not on their heels before they make contact with the ball (ex. many people say that bonds ends up on his heel when he swings, but if you notice he is not on his heel at contact..it is after contact that he finishes on his heel). Many time younger hitters if they are finishing on their heel they have a tendace to pop many pitches up in the zone up, so i like to get them out of this habbit
> > >
> > > Many people use a no stride technique, this allows hitters to keep it more simple and throw the hands. This is something that should not be thought to younger hitters cause their bodys are not strong enough to do that. The stride is used as a timming device and it unlocks the hips. If you notice Edmonds even though he has no stride he still has a cock (front knee goes in slightly and his hands go back and and up) One thing that helps Edmonds in this is that he has no trouble with harder throwers cause his front foot is already down witch never makes him late (not gettting his front foot down) in his swing. (Be careful when studing Edmonds he is not someone you want to make your swing like...he is hard to study cause he is a freak of nature on how he is able to have success with his swing)
> > >
> > > I gave 110% everytime i stepped onto the field cause someone else may be giving 100%
> > > Pete Rose
> > >
> > > Mr. Hustle
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > after watching the tape I now realize how important it is to step on the ball of the stride foot allowing for rotation.questions.....once the ball makes contact,,,the stride pretty much takes care of itself at that point...????,I've been noticing many of my lil leaguers are ending up on their front heel after the swing,Is that acceptable?,,,last question,,,what do you think of the no stride technique?,Jim Edmonds uses it and seems very ROtational to me...what would be the downside of using the edmonds type stance???? THANKS!
> >
> > "Nothing happens in a swing untill the front foot hits, same with pitching...once the front foot hits everything else happens"..............Could not be farther from the truth.
>
> Teacherman, I'm sure you are trying to help. Probably you are a beginner. I coach college ball and I can tell you that it is a truism, proven by the greats: nothing happens until the front foot lands.Look me up sometime and I will be happy to give you some tips. Have a pleasant day!

Teacherman is absolutley correct.......but if you aren't looking for it, you will not see it. I don't always agree with Teacherman's approach and he knows that, but I am always interested in what he says, because it's right. I can show you a million clips of the hips rotating before the lead foot ever touches down. Are you saying the front foot must be down before the hips can rotate? Would your tip be to plant the heel and then rotate?

Coach C