Posted by: HoffmanLa () on Sat Nov 25 20:42:43 2000

To everyone

Okay, on to other things.

I am soliciting opinions on the nature of back leg rotation.

Let's forget smashing insects for a minute.

Why is it that all the great hitters use a rotation that brings the back foot up on its point? I just don't see folks on the ball of the foot until the follow through; at contact, and sometimes before, they are up on the toe.

My thought: just sliding it around on the ball tends to lean the posture back to far, hanging back with the spine angle. Those great hitters have a spine angle that does not collapse. The hips and shoulders do not go backward as the hands go out and around. It stays where it was after the stride or prep movement took place.

It is tough, though. It takes a great deal of strength to do this as they do it. And a hard-soled shoe. Anyone ever try it in a soft shoe such as turf cleats, or those used for indoor hitting? Can't do it. Maybe this is an important practice tip.

What do you all think? Do you see the same things I see?

HoffmanLa