Posted by: David () on Thu Apr 13 20:00:59 2000

>>>Why do you have to get it around earlier? Why not just take it opposite field. I know this is an old saying, but "hit where it's pitched. <<<
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> > > > Hi David
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> > > > David, the point I was trying to make is that linear (weight-shift & extension) mechanics cannot develop good bat speed on outside pitches. So they recommend an inside-out swing which basically means the bat-head is dragging through the zone. That type of swing is a relatively weak swing.
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> > > > I have no problem hitting the ball where it is pitched as long as the ball is hit hard. Initiating the swing with the two forces that generates bat speed, torque and a circular hand-path, develops bat energy early in the swing. The batter can still hit the ball where it is pitched, but with real "pop."
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> > > > Note: With rotational mechanics the bat-head gets to the zone much earlier, therefor the back arm is much less extended (by 4 to 6 in.) than with extension mechanics. Yet, many coaches refer to extension mechanics as “short, quick and compact” and rotational as “longer and slower.” It makes you wonder.
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> > > > Jack Mankin
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> > Jack,
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> > Who is the "they" you say recommends an inside-out swing on outside pitches. I'm also a little confused on what you are trying to explain should happen on an outside pitch. Correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't the swing be the same on a pitch middle out as middle in? The only difference is letting the ball get deeper in the stance? Bat angle dictates where the ball is hit. That's the whole point of letting it get deep. Otherwise, hitters would (i know you hate this term but i'm going to use it anyway) roll-over or go around the pitch away from them. please clarify (and yes, i have read your posts in previous threads,truisms and fallacies, etc)
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> > thank you,
> >
> > josh
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> >jack& everyone else,
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> i know this is probably obvious to most, but not all. wouldn,t stepping into the outside pitch satisfy all of the different ideas posted about the problem ( bat angle, sweet spot, letting the ball get deeper into the zone, etc...) . no matter what philosophy of hitting you follow, this would obviously solve the problem. as far as letting it get deeper into the zone, by stepping towards the pitch this would naturally let the ball get deeper. i mean, it would be pretty hard to pull an outside pitch to the opposite field while your shoulders are lined up with right field, before you even start your rotation ( in the case of a right handed batter of course). you are always naturally going to hit the ball in the same place in your swing in proportion to the angle of your body and your hands ( hence the word timing). so if you turn your body (when you step towards the pitch, it will turn your hips, which will turn your body) you will still hit the ball at the same spot in your swing, but now since your hips are turned, you will be hitting the ball in the direction of your hips, which is right field. and as Jack speaks of pointing the belly button towards the pitcher to hit the ball when the pitch is down the middle, after completing your rotation, your belly button ( on the outside pitch) will also be pointing towards right field, hopefully the direction of flight of the ball. as far as the sweet spot, you are taking a step closer to the ball, so instead of hitting a flare towards first base off the end of your bat, you hit a shot in the right-center gap off the sweet spot. that extra 2.5 - 3.0 inch step to the ball can mean the difference between STINGING HANDS OR CHEERING FANS. well enough said. JUST STEP INTO THE PITCH AND SWING. IT WILL ALL HAPPEN NATURELY. YOU SHOULD NOT CHANGE ANYTHING IN YOUR SWING TO HIT AN OUTSIDE ( OR INSIDE ) PITCH, EXCEPT THE WHERE YOUR LEAD FOOT LANDS. after that lead foot lands( no matter where, if you have practiced enough) your body reacts and just swings, and like magic you hit the ball the opposite way.
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> thank you,
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> JASON

Yeah, but some people dont even have strides, and what about curve balls? Some of them start inside and then break outside.