Posted by: Joe B. () on Fri Jun 29 07:20:14 2001

Jack,
> >
> > It is my belief that power starts with the feet and continues up the body and creats torque with a hip turn that pulls the upper body into the swing.
> >
> > I compare it to an "unfolding flower" that starts at the feet moes through the hips shoulders, arms and ends with the bat powering through the ball. Each movement following the other from the bottom to the top.
> >
> > If you don't agree with this, I would like to know your reason.
> >
> > Assuming you do, this requires that the hips turn before the shoulders and should be a little more open until the shoulders catch up after contact with the ball.
> >
> > It has been my observation that the "crush the bug" drill encourages batters to turn their hips and shoulders at the same time. Further, that even without the "bug" drill some hitters get into this habit.
> >
> > I beleive that hips first is the most important source of power in the swing. It allows for the creation of power with out a explosion of movement that results in a control causing misshits. Many coaches miss this hard to see
> > out-of-sync movement or do not think it's a problem.
> >
> > What do you think?
> >
> > Joe B.
> >
> > I think you're exactly right - I always thought of the swing as uncoiling from the ground up. The problem with this being universally accepted is that it almost impossible to feel and see in real time. In slow motion, frame by frame analysis, it's clear that there is a sequence of rotation starting with the feet turning followed by the knees, hips, shoulder and bat. It looks like the whole body is turning simultaneously when you watch a batter live. If I initiate a full speed swing and pay as close as attention as possible to what is happening, I still can't really feel the sequential nature of the rotation, even if I know it's happening. So - the same thing applies to drills, it's very difficult to turn the hips and shoulders at exactly the same time. So it's possible that the "bug" drill is reinforcing the proper sequence of rotation - but you have to analyze the swing even during the drill with frame by frame video to confirm it. Daniel

Daniel,

You are correct, it is difficult to see. In fact "seeing" is a skill that needs to be practice if you want to be an effective teacher. I practice it all the time. Its the main reason I go to games, to practice seeing what is happening as it is happening.

I don't think that the "bug" drill causes the hips to and shoulders to turn at the same time. But, I do think that is leads the trainee to do it. If the coach is not aware of the potential or does not "see" it happening they won't correct it and turning the hips and shoulders at the same time becomes a habbit.

The "bug" drill is not a good drill in any case. The back foot turning towards the pitcher, or that general direction, is a reaction to another motion-- Turning the hips. Try it. Take a practice swing in which you do a good hip turn. Notice what happens to your back foot. Its pointed foward, isnt it? Teach a reaction is a really bad idea. I think this idea got started by thinking that you turn the hips by using your feet. This is true but this is not the method. Isn't it true that turning your foot does not mean that your hips will turn? Don't worry, if the batter does the correct mechanics the other thing happens.

When looking to see where the hips are in the unfolding swing, try this. While looking at the swing, looking to take a "mental snap shot" at the point of contact or where contact would be in the swing.
(the batter may not hit the ball on that particular swing)

You are looking to see if, at contact, the hips are square to the general area of where the second baseman plays and the shoulders are square to the place where the bat is making contact with the ball.

This takes some practice but if you work on it, it will come.

Joe B. or A, I forget.