Posted by: Snickas (snickas10@msn.com) on Thu Sep 15 11:11:56 2005

> while batting should i be swinging as hard as a I can or should I be having a more speed controlled swing. While reading all the info on this site and others, people talk about how you should achieve maximum batspeed when hitting a pitch but then people say you don't have to try and kill the ball to hit it out. But if you are swinging with your maximum batspeed isn't this trying to kill the ball?? Any thoughts would help. Thanks.

RangerL

I agree thay hitters should achieve maximum bat speed, but it isn't by trying to kill the ball. When hitters try too hard they tend to use the smaller and weaker muscles (arms and hands)instead of the bigger stronger muscles (hips, torso, shoulders). This creates a longer and slower swing. In my mind the hitter should try to create the smallest circles possible by utilizing their hips and shoulders, and letting their arms and hands go for the ride in a circular path. By achieving the correct rotational mechanics a hitter will be able to create "effortless power". It isn't that the hitter isn't put for an effort, but is maximizing power by using the stronger muscles. The hitter will feel a shorter, quicker swing and at the same time feel like he didn't try so hard. When hitters try to kill the ball they tend to create a "powerless effort" swing. A lot of effort used but little power because their weaker muscles are used. Plus when hitters try so hard (instead of being relaxed) their muscles get tight and tend not to complete the full range of motion (circles).