Posted by: Mike Myers (mike.myers@bell.ca) on Tue Jan 11 14:14:37 2005

>>> Jack, I would be interested in Bagwell's 1994 stance (.368, 39HR, 400AB, 750SLG). His other years, while good, pale in comparison. <<<
>
> Hi Mike
>
> I do not recall Bagwell's 1994 stance. I would assume your point is that he had his best year while taking a forward stride instead of his present backward stride. I have no problem with your conclusion. Some hitters may very well perform better with a forward stride.
>
> I do have a disagreement with thinking hitters like Bonds use the stride to obtain momentum for the swing. Linear momentum is the product of mass and velocity. Mass with little or no forward movement has little or no momentum to transfer. Hitters like Bonds may pick up the foot and place it five or six inches forward, however, there may be little or no forward movement of the axis (body mass). Therefore, there is little or no linear momentum to be converted into rotational momentum – if that were even possible.
>
> Even with hitters like Brett who take long strides with a lot of forward movement, I do not believe the transfer of momentum plays the major role in their hip rotation. The major part of their hip rotation comes from the pelvis being thrusted around from the muscles in the thighs, hips and back – not the transfer of momentum.
>
> Try it for yourself. Stand up and take a long stride with your hips closed and see how much the hips tend to rotate without using the muscles to thrust the pelvis around.
>
> Jack Mankin
>
Jack,

I'm not claiming a step initiates forward linear momentum which translates to rotational momentum.

I'm suggesting a step forward offsets weightshift backward during inward turn - so the hitter is better balanced throughout the swing.

Try placing 2 scales beneath your feet. Perform the inward turn with no forward step. When you have completed the inward turn you will find the backfoot scale reads higher than the front foot scale (it will spike, and quickly equalize).

Now, perform the same inward turn with a slight forward step. When you have completed the inward turn (i.e. front foot plants) the scales should read more equivalent.

This is a better position to begin driving rotation - with weight evenly distributed on both legs.

Mike.