Posted by: Rich () on Mon Nov 22 18:37:56 2004

For this upcoming season our fastpitch team has hired a new batting instructor that is introducing a new approach to hitting (rotational)as opposed to the linear approach the team has been taught and has been fairly successful with over the last few years. The rotational method appears to be providing more power. However, I would be very grateful if someone could reply in simple terms to the following questions:
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> 1) Is rotational hitting appropriate for fastpitch, and if so, is it only for power hitters or is it a good approach for almost anyone?
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> 2). what are the advantages and disadvantages of rotational hitting in fastpitch compared to linear hitting?
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> 3). Are there specific types of hitters/body types, etc... (besides slappers) that should be using one method over the other?
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> 4)what fastpitch coaches, teams, etc... employ rotational hitting as their main hitting technique.
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> I realize that this subject may be covered somewhere in the forum on other posts, but I really am looking for some simple, straight answers before I take a good group of girls down a different path.
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> Thanks
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> Hey Scott,

1) rotational hitting is a must for fastpitch as it is the QUICKEST method to get the bathead to contact. i would have all my hitters using this approach. if you have a speed merchant and is already a great slapper i might have her be a table setter in the 1 and 2 spot.

2)faster batspeed equals: a) more time to guage the pitch and guess where the bat will meet the ball. b) faster exit speed of the ball no matter where it is hit... more grounders find the holes, more line drives get thru the gaps, more fly balls get over the outfielders heads. Disadvantages: the girls will want to swing heavier bats = more money... more girls will want to swing hotter bats = more money.... in other words there are no disadvantages.

3)You'll find the stronger of your girls of course hitting the ball harder as they can usually rotate faster. however the weaker girls will actually benefit more than any other. because their arms are weaker they'll find that by transfering the power from their legs, hips, torso and shoulders to the bat using rotational mechanics they will begin to pop the ball like never before.

4)Most major league hitters use rotational(not all pure). the ball is in their hitting zone even less time than fastpitch, so they have to use the quickest and fastes method known. colleges, i think univeresity louisana lafayette... university arizona teach it. and if you check the girls that lead the league in power and hitting i'll bet it's rotational.

I have personal experienc seeing singles hitters in fastpitch become power hitters in 12 months... i saw a 220ft LINE DRIVE homerun over the fence this past fall by a girl that was hitting singles and doubles a year ago...

You are very wise to have a hitting coach that wil guide your girls in the right direction. i'd suggest that you become even more knowledgable in the proper execution of the swing than he is. i've been studying this for over two years and just last week i had an "ah,ha!!" experience in understanding what it is about.

Good luck to you and your girls... with you as a coach luck has nothing to do with it... :-)) regards, Rich