Posted by: Major Dan (markj89@charter.net) on Tue Apr 3 10:40:49 2001

Ok, before I explain, here is all of my attributes....
>
> 15 years old 5'10" 145 lbs.
> Easton Reflex 32 in, 29 oz
> Playing Freshman basbeall
>
> Ok, here goes. I have always been able to make good contact with the ball, but if it's out of batting practice, I can never seem to hit the ball off the ground. I never hit linedrives, and I rarely have a pop fly. I am not a big person in terms of muscle, so I will have to rely a lot more on other things. I don't do all of the incorrect things that may have been taught to me...i.e. elbow up, roll hands at contact, etc.
>
> Let me explain how I am swinging. My stance isn't in the upright, but it's not as low as mark mcgwire. when I swing, I take a short stride,pull my hands back to get in a position of power, and swing, keeping it as compact as possible, to explode off of the ball. Yet, I still cannot seem to hit well in games, just BP. I don't know if it's mental or what, but I know I have to work on something, but cannot find out what that is.

Jake -
Hopefully you understand that swings can't be analyzed from a verbal description. Your best bet is to find a good hitting instructor, or tape some swings and have Jack Mankin do a swing analysis - a good idea if you like the ideas on this site.
First, read everything on this site. I'm sure you'll pick up something that can help you.
I have not seen the HFE tapes, but it sounds like you have been influenced by HFE concepts. You'll find some different ideas here.

Don't know if this relates to you or not, but - if you cast your hands early in your swing, especially on low pitches, the result is often ground balls - the bat flies out as it starts coming down. This slows the bat. Contact is late and on the top of the ball, beating it into the ground.
Gook luck in your quest.