Posted by: Scott (stwinton@netzero.net) on Tue Apr 19 07:31:56 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.

Sorry guys you're both wrong...an open or closed stance has nothing to do with it, both of you are talking about your pre-pitch stance...the front side position after the hitter coils/loads or strides is the key position...in that sense BHL your right, if slightly open you will have a much better chance at getting your back hip all the way through contact...at the cost of covering the outer half of the plate. Kinesiological awareness...if you end up in a closed position after the coil, say back toe to front instep, you will cut yourself off in terms of being able to rotate your back hip squarely through contact on an inside pitch...will have better coverage away...actually your just taking a middle pitch and hitting it with a pull mind set, the away pitch, via your posture turns into a middle pitch...gimmicky physical adjustments are used by hitters to cover their mechanical flaws...often times its to difficult for a hitter to stay square and cover the whole plate, to the hitters credit its rare that you have to…