Posted by: Major Dan (markj89@charter.net) on Thu Oct 26 12:17:23 2000

>>>I commend your honesty, as when you admitted you made a mistake when stating that the front leg is the power source for rotational hitters. While I think some of your ideas are oringinal and backed by scientific proof, however, I noted in the same post where you admitted a mistake you saying that you believe that since the back leg is not allowed to extend like the front, it sometimes seems, under light conditions, that the front leg has more drive. But Jack, driving and extending the back leg, or pushing off the back foot is a mechanic for linear propulsion. Could you please clarify this comment.<<<
> > > > >
> > > > > Hi BHL
> > > > >
> > > > > As I recall our past discussion on hip rotation, I had originally stated that in my swing the extension of lead leg felt more active in generating hip rotation than the back leg. I later stated that probably was not true. In order to rotate the body around a stationary axis, the drive from both legs would need to be about equal. -- So I guess my original feelings were in error.
> > > > >
> > > > > I fail to see why back leg mechanics should only be thought of as linear mechanics. As you stated in your post below -- " I noticed that as he spins his hips, both legs are bent, and as both rotate around." -- Would you say that a leg rotating around is linear mechanics?
> > > > >
> > > > > Jack Mankin
> > > >
> > > > Gentlemen,
> > > >
> > > > I know I am not as knowledgable as you learned gentlmen and I am willing to admit it. So, please humor me amd explain the specifics of how your font leg is able to "drive" or "turn" or "rotate" your hips forward.
> > > >
> > > > I know that the back leg is in a position to do it, I can feel it doing it. But, please, take a stance, pretend to swing and turn your hips and just report to me what your front legs do to rotate your hips. Just humor me on this one.
> > > >
> > > > Joe A.
> > > > >
> > > > > my personal opinion is that the back leg rotates against the front leg....but jack is the expert , not me....maybe in scientific terms the rotation of the back leg against a firm leg is the same thing as what jack is saying, except that i can't seem to grasp the concept.....stick around joe & sooner or later it will all sink in & make sense....it just takes a little time......respectfully, grc.....
> >
> > Joe -
> > Assume a right handed batter. For the hips to turn or rotate, both hips must turn toward their left. The back hip comes forward, and the left or front hip turns back if both hips rotate around a center point.
> > Interestingly, the back leg does not straighten out to drive the back hip, it turns over. The front leg can however straighten out from a bent posture. If this happens, the left hip is pushed backward which would result in hip rotation.
> > A batter who thinks and feels in a linear mode would drive off the back foot, pushing the weight forward. The firm/stright front leg would brace and the hips would turn against the front leg. This has two effects - the pivot point for the hips becomes the left hip as that hip stops while the right (back) hip comes around; and the back leg does all the driving and turning.
> > I think many hitters use this method. It sounds like you resonate with this.
> > If you want to feel a more rotational movement, imitate Jeff Bagwell. Spread your stance and sit down low to really load your quads. Then, without standing up, step your front foot back toward your back foot with a small step and pop both legs - you will be able to turn really hard using both legs.
> > I'm not saying this is how everyone should hit or is the only way to get hip rotation from both legs but it is an easy way to feel the effect. .......................................................major dan..."For the hips to turn or rotate, both hips must turn toward their left. The back hip comes forward, and the left or front hip turns back if both hips rotate around a center point."......i guess you are right...technically both hips rotate and i can prove it to myself (and Joe A might want to try this)...if i simply stand on my front leg i can still rotate my front & back hip, albeit with much less force.....nothing so complex about that concept afterall....respectfully, grc....

GRC -
I didn't phrase that well and perhaps made it more complicated than it is. both hips rotate around the center (spine) but in a right to left direction of rotation. Is that any better?