Posted by: Major Dan (markj89@charter.net) on Wed Feb 21 07:11:13 2001

>>> Jack would you say that you start with your weight centered in your stance then as you stride or not, you rotate or coil in loading the weight somewhat on the back leg then as you rotate the weight shifts slightly forward to center as the swing takes place. If you agree would you think a hitting thought when focusing on weight transfer to be center back center. <<<
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> Hi rql
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> The lower body mechanics for rotating around a stationary axis is quite different from those used in the “back to center” model. With the back to center model, the lead leg is more firm (or posted) at foot plant and the lead side becomes the pivot point (or axis) for the body to rotate around. So the lead hip remains posted and the thrust from the back leg drives the back hip (and spine) forward or “back to center.”--With this model, the center axis of the body (the spine) moves forward during the swing.
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> As the name implies, “rotating around a stationary axis” means there is no forward movement of the body axis during the swing. The batter may or may not take a timing step. But before rotation begins and the swing is initiated, the body will come to full balance. All forward movement will have ceased and the body will rotate around a fixed axis.
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> As you pointed out, my weight is fairly centered while in my stance. I will have most of my weight on the balls of my feet with the lead foot pointing toward first base. As some hitters use a small step as a timing devise, I use an inward turn of the lead knee and foot. So my inward turn to the launch position is triggered by the inward turn of the lead knee and foot. The inward rotation of the knee causes the heel of the lead foot to rise shifting about 60 percent of the weight to the back foot. This also sets my axis leaning 10 to 12 degrees away from the pitcher.
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> With rotational mechanics, the lead leg is not as straight or firm at foot plant as with the back to center model. The knee is well flexed. As I initiate the swing, the lead knee rotates back around toward the pitcher and extends. This extension of the lead leg drives the front hip back toward the catcher at the same rate the back leg is driving the back hip forward. --- This means the hips (as a unit) are not moving forward – they are rotating around a fixed (or stationary) axis.
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> So rql, there is no “back to center” movement of the body with rotational mechanics. --- With back to center mechanics, there is an emphasis on driving the top hand forward. – Pulling the lead shoulder and arm back toward the catcher is more emphasized in the rotational swing.
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Jack and RQL -
Jack, I agree with your assessment of back to center vs. rotational lower body.
You said "With the back to center model, the lead leg is more firm (or posted) at foot plant and the lead side becomes the pivot point (or axis) for the body to rotate around." This is a significant offset of the axis of rotation and results in what I call a backside hitter. They use their back side (right side for a righty) instead of both halves of the body.
Mike Epstein has an interesting variation on the rotational model. He pushes (or starts) the weight 60% forward, then uses the front leg to push the front hip back around, and the weight back to center (inside of the back thigh). This works well in my experience. Combining the front leg pushback with the back leg turnover (squish the bug or whatever), you get good leg action from both front and back sides. It also promotes front heel down as the swing trigger.
I have noticed many major leaguers, both striders and non-striders, who have that moment of weight forward and front leg pushback. The plyometric response (load/unload) of muscles says that a muscle fires stronger when it is first stretched. Jumpers go down to jump up.
Watch Sosa load and unload his front leg. Watch Bagwell pull his front foot back under him to load it. That has the same effect as putting some weight forward.
Any thoughts on this?