Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Mon Jan 23 01:12:53 2006

>>> I noticed that Giambi, Griffey Jr. and more players when their lead foot drops it dosen't rotate. Instead it looks like they are using their back leg to rotate because only their back leg is rotating along with that hip, nothing else. <<<

Hi Tyler

You State. “because only their back leg is rotating along with that hip, nothing else.” –Let us study a Griffey clip - http://www.youthbaseballcoaching.com/mpg/griffey_ken.mpeg - I see both knees rotating with the hips.

In his stance, both of his knees are pointing toward the plate. By contact, both knees are pointing at the pitcher. Therefore, both knees have rotated about the same number of degrees as the hips.

You are correct in pointing out that he did not rotate his heel back the 45 degrees I recommend during ‘heel-drop’. His foot at heel-plant was only about 20 degrees or so from the closed position. But note the buildup of pressure (or twist) on the knee as the hips and lead-knee rotate open. The pressure was relieved as the toe came up and he rotated on his heel.

However, what about more erect hitters who may not rotate the lead-toe off the ground to relieve the pressure. That is why I suggest opening the foot 45 degrees or so at heel drop.

Jack Mankin