Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Tue Oct 14 15:33:10 2008

>>> Hi Jack,

I have been battling some parents who's kids are going to a specific trainer. The trainer is telling them that the kid's should not be "loading up" into the launch position they way you teach. The trainer is having the kids keep their hands and feet still until they initiate the swing. I've tried explaining that their kids are losing quite a bit of batspeed and power, but they don't seem to understand that. Any suggestions? <<<

Hi Larry

I am not sure what he means by “loading up.” It would be helpful if you could you explain the problem he has with how I teach batters to prepare a good launch position. I am not in favor of the batter remaining static in the box waiting for the pitch. I like the batter to have a rhythmic movement to launch to match the rhythm of the pitcher’s windup and release. Some may start with their hands low, some high while others keep their hands close to the launch position. Where they start with their hands is fine with me as long as the hands are in the correct position when shoulder rotation is initiated. -- I am also not sure if the trainer teaches “no stride” or has some other reason keeping the feet still.

Jack Mankin