Posted by: BHL (Knight1285@aol.com) on Mon Apr 18 12:03:56 2005

> As a player of both fastball and slowpitch, I have noticed on obvious key to success in terms of generating power. Fastball ("windmill") requires a closed stance - front shoulder in. I think this is even more important in slowpitch. By simply keeping the front should in and maybe front leg closer to the plate than back, the hitter is able to naturally uncoil in body so he can utilize the muscles in his back and not just arms. I see too many slowpitch hitters with open stances hitting the ball using only their arm strength. These are often ground balls or lazy flies. Right handed batters should aim their front shoulder at the second baseman - lefties at the shortstop.

Hi Drew:

When the body is closed in slow pitch softball, it inhibits hip rotation more than if a player were to stand slightly open at the plate. Also, according to Ted Williams, open stances are conducive to pull hitting. It follows, then, that if a player wants to inflate his / her stats, he / she must attempt to pull every pitch over the fence where the ball can be hit with the most authority. The goal in slow pitch is to drive in runs, and the homering every time at the plate is the easiest way to accomplish this goal.

Best Wishes,
BHL

P.S. You bring up very interesting topics geared towards kinesiological awareness, though.