Posted by: Dave (cdpaetkau@telus.net) on Fri Nov 19 01:14:01 2004

>>> 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?
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> 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. <<<
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> Hi Dave
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> I think we are very much in agreement. Even with the correct mental imagery, the batter still requires instruction and many hours of practice to develop efficient lower body mechanics (ELBM). As I stated earlier, the ultimate purpose of all swing mechanics, including the lower body, is to supply forces that accelerate the bat-head. Therefore, I find my students make greater progress in developing ELBM when they understand and can envision good transfer principles.
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> Example: Many coaches appear to have problems keeping their students from “lunging” or transferring their weight too far forward. The reason that most hitters lung forward is because their image of generating bat speed is to extend the hands (mainly the top-hand) by bringing the back-side forward.
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> I explain to my students that for them to reach their full potential as a hitter, they must learn to use the lead-side equally as well as the backside. In order for them to gain maximum use of the lead-side, they must think of rotating the lead-shoulder back toward the catcher as the back-shoulder rotates toward the pitcher.
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> I tell them, “as you prepare to launch your swing, have a mental image of your lead-shoulder rotating back to the 105 degree position as you bring the bat to contact.” After a few swings, I can help them with problems I noted, but their tendency to lung is normally gone. --- This is an example of using a mental image of transfer principles (BHT) to develop ELBM.
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> Dave, unlike Teacherman, the lower body mechanics I teach my students have the legs very much involved in generating hip and shoulder rotation.
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> Jack Mankin
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Hi jack

This has been a great conversation and I know that I have learned more about hittin from it. I believe that is the whole point that being a teacher/instructor of the game we need to keep learning. I have include some of your clues and ideas into my training and I will continue to learn and adapt to the best mechanics that I can find.

Like I always say ask WHY and wait for the answer. Listen to the answer and ask questions if you do not understand the answer. THen have the dignity to admit that I will not ever know everything but strive to learn about the things that I do not know.

Dave