Posted by: Dennis W. (nym_baseball@planet.nl) on Thu Nov 16 14:05:33 2006

People,

First, either you practice the Rotational Technique or Linear. If you choose Rotational.... then yes you MUST allow the rear foot the rotate (turn) with the body to allow the rear hip to fully open.
'Squishing the bug' is merely an 'audible cue' a coach will yell out so the batter remembers to get that rear foot turning. On the toes, balls of the feet, is a question of comfort.

I disagree that you need the hips to turn in order for the shoulders to gyrate. Hips, shoulders, even the head can rotate without the help of the other joints.

When you lead with your hips, then bring the torso and shoulders around, you are just ADDING speed to he movement. It is just like being on a train moving 100 mph.. if you jumped off the train in the direction it was going, you would be travelling 100 mph + the speed you added by jumping... get it?? MOMENTUN people.

Another thing, do not get caught up in details like squishing the bug on the balls of your feet or on the toes.... again, use the BASELINE established here and FINE TUNE the points of momentum you need to be a better batter using Rotational mechanics.

Dennis 'Hitman' W.