Posted by: tom.guerry (tom.guerry@kp.org) on Mon Jun 24 09:46:45 2002

I have finally got my swings on my computer. I would appreciate it if anybody would write back their comments. Heres the link, its at 25 frames per second im pretty sure
> > > members.aol.com/dfaust4522/sideview
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> > hitman....i saw your clip at setpro & like i said, i think you look fine....i guess you asked for it, so you will get a gazillion tips as to what's wrong...the latest complaint is that when you stride your body (and head along with it) moves toward the pitcher!!!....anyway, just my opinion, but "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".....
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> Viewing of vide and numerous clips of current MLB hitters. There is verly little forward head movement during the stride. Some players don't even stride (Bagwell, Garciaparra) and certainly no forward head movement. To name a few, Griffey and Sosa have little forward head movement and Piazza, Bonds have none. Hitman has considerable.
> forward head movement. Is it easier to catch a ball standing still or running for it? Is it easier to focus on an object with a still head versus a moving one? Hitting is not only about the swing. you have to consistently find the sweet spot of the bat. Does it not make sense that a steady head will only increase a hitter's chances?

Hitman-

Really nice swing!

I like the way you get off the backside,get up on the toe and drag before contact.This means you are moving energy into the bat and generating excellent batspeed.

Possible flaws:

No perceptible hip slide after heel drop-good.

Maybe slight front knee flex after toe touch/heel drop-don't want any.

Is head motion a problem-not necessarily.All forward motion stops before /at front heel drop/rotation so axis is stable.Leaning back helps this.You are now used to moving this way when you read pitches.You have your own internal inertial frame of reference which will take time to re-establish if you change.

Compare yourself to Griffey:

http://www.setpro.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000013.html

Griffey goes way forward,but stays balanced without the head going forward much.How does he do this? As he goes forward,he loads the hands way back which balances things front to back,but he also loads the body/creates bend in the waist and maintaining this requires the head to drop a whole lot.Agin,however,there is no drigt after front heel drop.This may give more reaction time than having the head go forward with the stride.It may also not require as much lean back/lift to your swing plane.

If you change,you may have to change several things together consistently and you will have to find your "eye" again.In any case avoid hip slide and front knee flex after heel drop.