Posted by: Jim (jwelborn@lexcominc.net) on Sun Nov 20 20:03:26 2005

> I have not once referred to “stride” in this thread (at least, not until now), yet both you and Jack have brought it up.
> Three things that I think both of you know (or at least, should know):
> 1. A batter may or may not stride while hitting.
> 2. A batter who strides while hitting, may or may not weight shift.
> 3. A batter who does not stride while hitting, may or may not weight shift.



Ray,

Is there a difference between “weight shift” and “hip slide”? If not then:
#1. I agree.
#2. I disagree.
#3. I disagree.

I believe “stride” is the mechanism batters use to create timing and facilitate “hip slide”. Pro strides average around 12’-14”; some more, some less, and a few with no stride. These same pros all display hip slide. I have yet to see a pro clip where there is no hip slide/weight shift. Even batters who have no stride still have hip slide. Some no-striders have more hip slide than some striders.

The batter must transfer weight toward the front leg to un-weight and avoid spinning on the back foot (squashing the bug). This hip slide/weight shift is what gives the rotation axis its appearance of leaning back toward the catcher.

To find batters who have no hip slide/weight shift, one must look into the youth leagues.

If I am misunderstanding and “hip slide” and “weight shift” are not one and the same, please explain the difference.

Jim