Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Thu Apr 26 21:52:59 2001

>>> Dear Jack,
You have already recommended "squashing the bug" on the front foot for all individuals with narrow stances.

But what lower body mechanic do you recommend for each of the follows

1)wide stances?

2)medium stances?

The reason why I ask is although some individuals use a narrow stance, some use the wide stance, and some use the medium stance. I doubt this one mechanic will work for all.

Your opinion? <<<

Hi BHL

You are correct in thinking the "squashing the bug" with the front foot is used with more narrow to medium foot plants. As the stride gets longer the lead foot lands more flat than on the ball of the foot and pointing at 45 degrees rather than at the plate. But to maximize bat speed generation the lead knee must still retain plenty of flex at foot plant. Landing with a straighter lead-leg is the mark of a predominately back-side extension hitter.

Look at the bottom clips of Ted Williams at http://www.setpro.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000152.html. Note how he uses the flex and extension of his lead-leg to pull the lead-arm back toward the catcher at contact (bottom-hand-torque + hook effect). Also note the angular bat displacement he generates back toward the catcher (top-hand-torque) before he turns and accelerates the bat-head around toward the pitcher. --- If Ted Williams had held his bat flat (instead of vertical) in the launch position as some coaches and authors teach – I doubt if we would have ever heard of him.

Jack Mankin