Posted by: Michael (mchosmer@aol.com) on Thu Sep 4 13:15:14 2008

> > > > http://www.hittingillustrated.com/library/SwingReview.htm
> > > >
> > > > A swing review that actually matches the video shown.
> > >
> > >
> > > That piece is not a swing analysis and it is not instructive to players or coaches. Period!!
> > >
> > > Aside from your unsupported commentary, you and your tiny clips fail to provide any analysis as to what is right, wrong or needs improvement with each swing. You merely conclude that any swing that has a "go," tilt and follow through is a proper swing. You make unsubstantiated statements, such as tilt is more powerful than rotation, and the shoulders don't rotate. Proof, theory and/or video evidence supporting your position? Of course not.
> > >
> > > Your latest views are unteachable and unsupported by video, and will not help anybody become a better hitter. It's purely speculation and commentary based on your personal "feel."
> > >
> > > We have heard you change beliefs constantly for years. How can anyone place any value in anything you write. We certainly don't, but if people wish to learn more about your newest "go" and "stop" batting mechanics or whatever the flavor of the day is, they will know where to find you.
> > >
> > > Brian
> >
> >
> > I agree this is a terrible explanation of hitting. He obviously does not understand true rotational mechanics. He basically thinks rotational mechanics makes hitters "spin off" the ball which is not the case at all. By the way if you tell hitters to push with the rear foot (which is ridiculous and completely wrong) then that is going to lead to hitters leaking forward too much in their swing. The worse part is where he swears up and down the shoulders do not rotate and they clearly do every time.
>
>
> Michael,
>
> Ask a MLB hitter if he is a rotational hitter, see what kind of answer you get.
>
> If they don't push with the rear leg then what do they do? Just sit down on it and turn? Of course they push with it, they load the rear hip and push. Do you push when you throw or just turn and stay back? I believe that when Bonds broke the single season HR record he was coming out of a bit of a funk. When asked what he did he said I remember what my dad use to tell me load the back leg. If he loads it then how does he unload it? With a push. It will not cause you to leak. Not if you no how to maintain the rear hip load while creating forward momentum. The push doesn't come until "go". The front leg blocks the forward movement.
>
> I think you are missing the point on the shoulders, of course they rotate. So do the hips and the hands, it's the how and why that lead to a MLB swing. The shoulders do not rotate to power the swing, they tilt. They tilt to create stretch and to link up with the already turning hips. The hands are then able to be launched from a solid platform, not one filled with slop.
>
> Try it. First try to turn your hips as fast and as hard as you can then follow with turning your shoulders as hard as you can and see how well you can hit, see how much adjustability you have.
>
> Next, take a couple of 3/4 side arm throws, like turning a double play as a second basemen. Then take a bat and try to create the same motion. Make sure the hips open early and the rear shoulder comes down, just like in the throw. Then just throw the barrel just like in your throwing motion. Extend through your intended target and let the barrel move around the hands. If you can throw then you can hit.
>
> Does anyone really understand true rotational mechanics? I've heard Ted Williams name brought up as one of the greats, on this site numerous times, as someone who knew how to hit. Yet, I hear the fence drill (Enforcer Drill) bashed by Brian. When the instructor that uses it most is Mike Epstein who is a disciple of Ted. Ted endorsed the mechanics and drills that Mike uses. So what, Ted was wrong, please.
>
> I can watch all the video I want and I can break down every movement, but do I really know what they're doing to acheive that out come? The only way we can get close is to pick up a bat and try to copy what they're doing, to try to feel what they're doing, to listen to what they say they're doing, then and only then can you see and feel what it is they're really doing.
>
> I coach High School baseball with a guy who is good friends with Dustin Pedroia, they grew up together and played baseball together. When he asks Dustin what it is he does he tells him, When I get a good pitch I throw the barrel as hard as I can through the ball. Some days I'm seeing the ball great and others not so well.
>
> Throw the barrel. Direct the energy through the ball not around it. The bat is going around the hands not the shoulders. The hands control where the barrel goes not the shoulders.
>
> Graylon


Graylon,

I actually think it is a combination of rotational and linear hitting that creates a high level mlb swing. I think explaining it by saying to push the rear leg is a very poor way of explaining it. Also comparing throwing and hitting are obviously different so comparing them has no merit. Certainly hitters don't just stay back and turn because that would lead to spinning off the ball.

I think the best hitter I have seen that you can classify as rotational is Josh Hamilton. Also if you saw Alex Rodriguez's home run last night where they had to use the instant replay. They showed a great side view of it where I think you can pretty much classify that as a rotational swing. Ultimately like I said I think it's a combination of rotational and linear principles that lead to the best swing possible. It just seems very difficult to explain and I think you and the owner of this site both bring up very good points when talking about a high level swing.