Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Thu Jan 3 19:33:37 2002

Dear Jack,

>>> Do you consciously or unconsciously straighten the front knee whilst pivoting it towards the pitcher. Also, should soft-stride hitters concentrate on just turning the knee towards the pitcher, or just squish the bug on the ball of the front foot, and let it happen automatically? <<<

Hi BHL

I would say that the batter should "consciously" practice the correct rotation and extension of the lead-knee so that it occurs "unconsciously" or automatically in live hitting. -- I have the batter stride to a fairly closed lead-toe. I want the lead-knee pointing more at the plate than in the direction of the second baseman. It is important that the heel of the lead-foot remain elevated until rotation is ready to be initiated. The batter then initiates rotation by rotating the heel back toward the catcher as it lowers. This causes the lead-knee and toe to rotate toward the pitcher as the leg straightens to drive the hip rotation. --- But, once again, this is conscious in practice and done unconsciously in the game.

Jack Mankin