Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Mon Aug 7 13:34:45 2006

>>> I am 25 and have problems stepping in the bucket. I know I do it, I try not to do it, but it seems to go there anyways. When I'm at the batting cages I don't stride at all, I try not to stride in the game, but I can't seem to control my front foot. My batting average is over .400 (weak pitching), but my power numbers are way down.

How can I correct this problem when it only happens during game time?

As for all the coaches out there...you need to correct this problem when the kids are young. Stepping in the bucket happens for two reasons, 1. the kid thinks he gets more power (helps clear the hips faster, but when you get older you lose power) or 2. the kid is afraid of getting hit.<<<

Hi Thaddeus

I agree, “the kid thinks he gets more power (helps clear the hips faster.” Stepping in the bucket also allows the hands to extend the knob quicker and straighter at the pitcher. However, as I discussed in the post below (Pre-launch Torque), thrusting the knob forward does not bring the bat-head to contact quicker or with more power.

I would suggest you read the post below carefully and then work on changing your mindset on how you initiate your swing. As you start shoulders rotation, do not concentrate on getting your hands (and knob) to extend to contact zone. Try thinking of keeping your hands (and knob) back and concentrating on getting the bat-head to rotate rearward toward the lag position at the same rate the shoulders are rotating.

Concentrating on rotating the bat-head rearward will change the demands you place on your lower-body mechanics.

Jack Mankin