Posted by: RQL () on Thu Feb 22 19:43:43 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. <<<
>
> Hi rql
>
> 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.
>
> 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.
>
> 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.
>
> 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.
>
> 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.
>
> Jack,I think my back to center idea is the same as your describing in rotation so bare with me as I try again.You say you start with your weight or upper body weight centered in stance ,then your inward turnputs more weight on the rear leg about 60%,and a front leg with flex in it.A 10-12 degree lean back with upper body,now here is where you say as I understand you rotate from right or am I wrong.If right then as you rotate and your hips go from facing a dugout to facing a pitcher and the shoulders do the same then the body at or after the swing is more centered between the back and front leg.Your upper body is no longer loaded over the rear leg and its not out front over the front leg.I'm not saying you shift the upper body weight forward with the stride rather as you rotate with the hips and shoulders they end up more balanced 50-50.this is how I see hitters in the paper each morning when they have just made contact or in follow through perfectly centered upper body between front and back leg.So my idea is start in center in stance then load back over rear leg 10-12 degrees then rotate from there and your over all body should be centered when you are completed.