Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Thu Jun 16 16:20:38 2005

>>> I am in my tenth year of playing competitive men's slowpitch softball. Approx. two years ago I learned to "run up in the box" and hit the ball. This has helped me generate more HR's as when I make contact I have all of my weight (200LBS) moving forward. I have read the articles and discussion about generating bat speed and feel that I have more of a linear motion as opposed to a rotational motion on my bat head. What is your opinion of running up in the box to hit the ball as opposed to a traditional hitter. Also, do you think that combining a rotational motion during my swing and running up in the box will help me create bat speed and more power? Any advice or criticism would be helpful. Thanks <<<

Hi James

If having weight moving forward helped a batter gain more power (bat speed), we would find the best hitters taking longer and harder strides. However, most of the best power hitters are taking very soft strides with little weight moving forward. In fact, during Bonds’ swing, his axis (and therefore his weight) fades 4 or 5 inches away from the pitcher.

James, in the long run, you would hit the ball harder learning to rotate around a stationary axis and acquiring sound rotational transfer mechanics.

Jack Mankin