Posted by: The Black Hole Lexicographer (Knight1285@aol.com) on Thu Jan 3 21:03:56 2002

Happy New Year, 2002, Jack!
> > >
> > > I have had a question to ask you based on two assumptions: 1) we are assuming the mechanics being used are used to initiate proper transfer mechanics (i.e., shoulder rotation), and 2) that the weight remains evenly balanced (i.e., between both legs) throughout the swing.
> > >
> > > Here is my question I would like you to answer as soon as possible:
> > >
> > > In speaking of developing a powerful rotation around a stationary axis (i.e., hip rotation), will not a DIRECT TURN of the hips be more powerful than an indirect turn. For instance, to borrow an idea from The Golf Channel, suppose I keep THE WEIGHT BALANCED BETWEEN BOTH LEGS THROUGHOUT THE SWING, and (I'm a RH batter) turn my LEFT (FRON) HIP back around towards the catcher while I turn my RIGHT (BACK) HIP around towards the pitcher. (Assume I turn both hips at the same rate). Will not TURNING THE HIPS DIRECTLY generate more power in terms of hip rotation (rotation around a stationary axis) than USING THE LEGS TO TURN THE HIPS (i.e., INDIRECTLY TURNING THE HIPS BY USING THE LEGS TO TURN THE HIPS INSTEAD OF DIRECTLY TURNING THE HIPS)?
> > >
> > > Sincerely,
> > > The Black Hole Lexicographer
> > > Knight1285@aol.com
>
> Yes, maybe...
> It really is turning the hips that you want to accomplish. Sometimes, how you think about it and what you really do can be two different things.
> Consider that the hips are bones and cannot turn themselves.
> The muscles used are hip flexors and extensors: quads, glutes, hamstrings, hip flexors and other less known muscles that operate within the pelvis against the femur.
> consider that the hamstrings connect the lower leg (calf) to thigh and also connect the hips to the thigh.
> Contracting the hamstring can raise the calf - pull your heel to your butt, or it can help you stand up from a bent over position - stiff legged-dead lift for example.
> The same is true of the quads: they extend the lower leg, they can also bend you over.
> Quads and hip flexors can work together to bend at the waist, they can work independently, the quads to keep you erect by straightening the leg while hip flexors stretch to allow upright stance.
> If you use your legs (flex, contract leg muscles) to turn your hips, what do you do if you want to simply turn the hips?
> You contract various leg and hip muscles to create that movement.
> You could create the same movement with the same muscles whether you are thinking hips or legs. Or you could be using muscles differently for each method depending on what your body is programmed to do.
> At Setpro, the philosophy is that the hips' turning straightens the front leg. Maybe so, but it is possible that by thinking legs, you can get the hips to turn, thus straightening the front leg.
> Not a black and white answer, but something to think about.

Dear Jack,

I have read your goal for the New Year, as well as your response to One More Question, Jack. However, I still maintain the belief promulgated in my original argument (described here). Please read and respond ASAP, because, using this hip rotation model around a stationary axis, the bat really seems to fly through the strike zone.

Sincerely,
The Black Hole Lexicographer
Knight1285@aol.com