Posted by: The Hitman (ahsnumber3@aol.com) on Sat Feb 2 00:40:30 2002

Hi All
>
> “Inward-turn”, “Separation” & “Legs” --- Their role in the baseball/softball swing.
>
> I know we have discussed these issues before but I still have lingering questions.
> (1) During the “inward-turn”, if the shoulders are rotated 20+ degrees farther than the hips in the launch position – does that constitute “separation”?
> (2) If the batter opens the hips during the stride (maximum separation), what further value can the legs contribute to rotation during the swing? Should the hips open (fully or close to it for maximum separation) and serve as a stable platform for torso muscles contractions to generate shoulder rotation?
>
> Your thoughts would be appreciated.
>
> Jack Mankin

Hey Jack
Pitchers land open, and they are still able to use their legs to generate velocity. Your hips are less restricted when you land open, that is why the all of the great hitters in the game land with the front foot open while keeping the shoulders back. I think Griffey has the greatest seperation at 45 degrees between hips and shoulders most likely cuz his neck is double jointed, but i think you maximize your legs when you land open and don't restrict your hips. The goal in the swing I believe is maximum seperation, so the large muscles can pull the smaller muscles through and maximize shoulder rotation.
The Hitman

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