Posted by: Shawn () on Sun Jul 27 21:57:27 2008

> >>> Hi Jack.
> Obviously, Ted's, Science of Hitting, has been reference many times in here.
> I would like to know what your thoughts are on the way Ted conveyed the information in that book, as well as the film clip that showed him describing the swing? How applicable do you feel it is today? <<<
>
> Hi John
>
> The reason I have not responded to your question regarding my opinion of Ted’s book is because it has been some time since I read it and I would not want to misrepresent his material. As I recall, his main contribution to sound batting principles was his reputing Lau’s contention that the energy for the swing came from the batter’s “aggressive forward movement.” Ted’s book correctly stated that the swing was powered from the body’s rotational energy.
>
> The concept of aggressive forward weight shift was so ingrained is MLB teaching that they never forgave Ted for his straying from Lau and the flock. Rotation about a stationary axis is the basis for rotation transfer mechanics and Ted deserves much credit for his contribution. But other than that principle, I cannot recall other notable scientific principles disclosed in his book.
>
> As I stated earlier, it has been some time since I review Ted’s book and there could be other scientific principles disclosed I overlooked. Point out those you find and we can discuss them.
>
> Jack Mankin

Hi,

It is much easier for a lefty to pull the ball consistently. They face many right handers and anything inside that stays over the plate a little is coming right into their power. As well as any outside pitch that drifts over the plate a little is coming right into their well house. It's easier for them to keep the front foot closed, which you wouldn't expect with it being much easier for them to over rotate. Instead righties are the ones who open the front foot more then their counterparts. Which is logical if they are facing a like handed pitcher throwing inside.

Many lefties will over rotate because of these facts. And just to prove the same old story it's their backside that swings over the plate, why?, because you rotate around the front hip joint.

So now that is clear once and for all where rotation takes place. You can see how "shifting" into foot plant can create power and rotation.

Some hitters can stay back better then others, and any hitter will vary from year to year, or month to month. It's one of the things that gets adjusted the more then any other aspect of hitting. Some hitters cannot shift correctly without being out front to often, so they learn to stay back. While you can find many great hitters who shifted very well without being out front all the time.

There's so much more that can be discussed about the issue, but I'll leave it at that for now. And maybe we can discuss it further.

BTW, I'm looking forward to your videos on THT, I watched the BHT videos and will comment on those later.