Posted by: Dave (cdpaetkau@telus.net) on Wed Nov 17 12:20:27 2004

>>> I now pose the question that if the lower body mechanics (ie internal rotation of the back foot early in the preswing phase) causes the shoulders to prematurely rotate and hands to move forward too early in the swing then is perfect transfer mechanics (THT,CHP,BHT) enough to compensate for the poor start?
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> MY ANSWER
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> Through perfect transfer mechanics the that particular swing will be maximized but the maximum bathead speed for that individual will never be maximized until the lower body mechanics are fixed. Poor lower body positioning in the prelaunch may also effect post launch results (THT,CHP,BHT) if they must compensate for the positioning in order to make contct with the ball.
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> Thoughts?? <<<
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> I would certainly agree with you that lower body mechanics must support and coordinate with transfer mechanics to maximize bat-head acceleration and produce an optimum swing plane. I would also say that given the correct mental image of good transfer mechanics, the mind would attempt to set up a lower body program that supports and coordinates with those transfer mechanics.
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> By the same token, it is very difficult for a batter to develop effective rotational lower body mechanics if they have a mental image of accelerating the bat-head by thrusting the top-hand forward during initiation. Yes, a coach can make some progress by teaching them lower body mechanics by the numbers (step by step). However, their progress will be much faster and more natural when they correctly envision rotational transfer principles.
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> Jack Mankin
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Hi Jack

I am glad we are in agreement that the lower body positioning and movement affect the swing speed and effectiveness of the swing. Since we are in agreement then if we are trying to develop the best swing possible should the lower body mechanics be given more emphasis since the hands movement becomes more compensatory the further the lower body strays from the perfect movement for rotational transfer mechanics?

The second point is that the mind needs the reinforcement of the actual body movements in order to achieve muscle memory movements that will become autonomic. There is proof that mental imagery and seeing proper movements enhance learning of a particular movement or task but they are only enhancements and do not take the place of actual practice.

Dave