Posted by: cfs (jcsherwood8458@sbcglobal.net) on Mon Sep 22 17:56:02 2008

Hi Jack,

can you describe the progression of pre-launch mechanics that typically occurs, or should occur, while a hitter is deciding to swing or not swing at a particular pitch? i.e. some coaches would instruct a hitter to assume that they are swinging and to hold up if the pitch is undesirable. It seems to me that many young hitters, even young teenagers, have difficulty separating the decision making process from the pre-launch mechanics that must have already taken place when the decision to launch is made. They are hesitant or timid with pre-launch mechanics. The result is that, once they decide to swing, the pre-launch mechanics are rushed or short changed, the subsequent swing does not follow the proper path, and the hitter has great difficulty getting on the plane of the pitch. These hitters typically hit well in a cage or batting practice situation when they are in "swing mode", but cause their swings to break down in game situations because they don't "prep" consistently on every pitch. I would like to hear your thoughts on this.

Thanks,
cfs