Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sat Mar 9 19:55:31 2002

>>> I thought about keeping the shoulder closed, locked and moving to the ball instead of thinking of my stride and foot. It works and it is easier to think about locking your shoulder in than thinking about your feet. Thanks for the info. It helped alot

The hips as a general rule will only do what the front shoulder does. When you tie the front shoulder down, then the hips stay on the ball and the front toe stays more closed. When the pitch comes don't think of the stride......think of driving your front shoulder to the ball (as long as you can) then pull like you mean it. If your throwing hands first, you'll struggle with this manuever. If you do struggle.... then I suggest you change your mechanics and enjoy the rewards. It's a whole new concept for some, but can be easily taught. These same mechanics would be how one would hit to the opposite field as well. Same mechanics, left field or right.......that's the beauty of it. Does this make sense to you? <<<

Hi Blue

I think we all would agree that the lead-shoulder should stay in during the batter’s stride. You stated, “......think of driving your front shoulder to the ball (as long as you can) then pull like you mean it.” When do you see the shoulder stop driving forward and start to rotate --- is the batters axis of rotation stationary or moving forward as the hands accelerate --- “what” is being pulled like you mean it? I am not saying you are wrong, just need clarification.

Jack Mankin