Posted by: coach ss () on Sat Dec 27 17:45:18 2008

> > Hey guys, I have a tendency to only use my upper body in my swings. I guess its because I always think to myself to just throw my hands. I get good results with it, but I just feel like I could get much more power by using my legs. I just cant figure out how to get my legs into the swing.
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> No one on this website or this message board will be able to tell you how to get your lower half into the swing more. They'll try, but ultimately you're going to have to experiement with your swing and figure it out yourself like I had to. Once you learn it it will never leave, it will be automatic.
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> The question I asked myself when I decided that I wasn't hitting for enough power was why major league hitter's back foot seem to be pulled forward at contact. In my attempt to mimmic this movement I finally figured out what it was that was going on in the hips. It's too difficult to explain in a way in which it would be understood so I'm not going to try. But I will say that it has nothing to do with the legs. It's all about the movement of the hips.

Back hip to the ball is the verbal cue i use with my players and kids i give lessons to. Your hips should lead your hands always. Think melodically hip-hands, hip-hands, hip-hands when practicing(meaning your back hip should max out and virtually meet the ball before the bat head)! Usually young un-coached hitters hands get there first and lead your hip, basically dragging your hips late eliminating any lower body strength! If your hands lead first, you are only hitting with your upper half! Your back hip should pop first and lead your hands to the ball and therefor you are transferring power from your lower half through your mid section to your upper half through your swing!!