Posted by: dougdinger () on Tue Aug 23 20:04:32 2005

> >>> Re: "weight back" Jack Mankin Fri Aug 19 18:59:56 2005
>
> Hi Grc
>
> Good questions. I also would find it helpful to have a clear definition of “weight shift.” If the batter takes a short stride but the center of his body mass remains stationary (zero forward velocity) through rotation, was there a forward weight transfer? Since momentum is the product of mass with velocity, there would be no momentum to transfer if the velocity is zero. – Or, is “weight shift” just to indicate which leg is most responsible for supporting the body’s weight at different points of the swing?
>
> Jack Manklin
> ##
>
> No one else has a definition of “weight shift”?
>
> Do you have one Jack? <<<
>
> Hi Ray
>
> As I pointed out above, for a “weight shift” to occur that produces linear momentum, the center of mass (the spine) must attain velocity. So I would define “weight shift” as “forward axis movement.”
>
> It is obvious that a “forward axis movement” does take place in the stride of many hitters. Where I run into a problem is with those (Chris Yeager for one) that maintain that this momentum is used to rotate the back-side around a posted lead-side – like a door swinging on hinges. If the back-side did in fact rotate around the lead-shoulder - like a door swinging on hinges – then the spine would also be rotating forward.
>
> Since the average shoulder width is about 20 inches, the spine, neck and head would need to rotate forward about 10 inches from initiation to contact – if the body rotated around a posted lead-side – like a door swinging on hinges. However, in all my studies, forward “weight shift” ceases (linear momentum approaches zero) before rotation begins. The spine, neck and head remain fairly stationary while the shoulders rotate more evenly around them – more like a “revolving door.”
>
> If some one can show clips of good hitters that rotate their head 10 inches forward during rotation (not the stride), I will retract my objections to the - like a door swinging on hinges – theory.
>
> Jack Mankin

From playing on many different teams I've been told to either keep the weight back or shift from back to forward. What I find is if I shift my weight slightly back it helps keep me balanced, especially for ofspeed pitches, but it also creates a slight rearward lean that helps me get a slight uppercut to the swing. What I don't like is how coaches think that shifting your weight forward produces any power, like it does with pitching. If we were hitting down a hill, then yes, some of the momentum of a forward weight shift would transfer into the rotation of the upper body but we don't swing downhill, so I have to agree with jack. Plus, if you shift your weight forward, it induces the nasty habit of lunging and makes you vulernable to offspeed pitches.