Posted by: Shawn (bellshw@aol.com) on Fri Jan 19 13:25:42 2001

>>>McGwire does have a very focused and concentrated backside rotation. Many of the all time greats have a similar backside rotation where the back foot actually rolls over just like a pitcher, Mantle, Ruth, Aaron, come to mind off the top of my head. <<<
> >
> > Hi Shawn
> >
> > I am trying to understand the term “backside rotation.”--- If a batter rotates around a stationary axis, then by what reasoning could it be said that the back-side is rotating stronger than the lead-side? -- Would not the lead shoulder be rotating back at the same rate the back shoulder is rotating forward? -- Would not a “strong backside rotation” be more correct with a “back to center” type of mechanic where the front side is posted and the back-side comes around? It seems to me that it would fit that type of mechanic more than it would “rotating around a stationary axis.”
> >
> > Jack Mankin
> >
> Dear Jack,
> All I am saying is that when I swing, I do not consciously make an effort to rotate my front hip backwards; it happens automatically. I guess it would be simulcura to your statement that you concentrate on lead leg rotation, and your back leg pivots around the stationary axis automatically.
>
> Yes, I do use both hips to create a stationary turn. Nevertheless, my front side always seems to straighten automatically, so, therefore, I concentrate on using the right rear buttock muscle groups to rotate the back thigh. Since "pushing the back hip in a circular motion" is stronger than "pulling it in a circular motion," I feel a stronger rotary actionary, yet I stay stationary.
>
> Jack, I know that "the knee and leg bones are connected to the hip bone," but, due to surface area, and physiological positioning, the hips are the strongest bones of the body to create a rotary action.
>
> In some instances, even by using both legs, I found both legs would "spin" inside the hip socket, and the hips would not rotate very far. Nevertheless, when I concentrate on using my hip (no weight shift foward or backward), my legs were no longer spinning inside the hip socket without hip rotation; the hips were moving, and so were the legs.
>
> Your opinion on this?
>
> Sincerely,
> Knight1285@aol.com
> BHL

Hi Jack,

Using rotational doesn't guarantee perfect mechanics. One of the biggest problems with the base is using the legs independently, which often can be a sign of the upper body controlling the swing.

Yes, I believe the better hitter come 'closer' to using both hips (trunk) equally well during the swing.

I also believe in you are very correct that the entire body is used to create batspeed. This does have to be 'set up' to actually happen, IMO. And that what happens during the stride, and/or before, pre swing activity is more than just wasted motion. For most hitters the backside will feel the strongest because it becomes somewhat like an anchor, allowing the body to prepare the swing.

Here's an article on stabilizing the back hip and how the entire body can benefit, pertains to golf.

http://www.biosolutions.net/sports_athletics/stabilizing_the_right_hip_golf.htm

BHL described it very well. Spinning is a problem with rotational mechanics, where pulling with the front hip (or hitting against a firm front side, blocking) might be a problem with linear mechanics.

Shawn