Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sun Mar 27 09:37:59 2011

>>> Jack, If a batter has a closed shoulder at launch position[ say 10 to 15 dgrees - righty w/ front shoulder pointing toward second base], Does he initiate full shoulder rotation from that point on an inside pitch or does he allow shoulder to open slightly as he identifies the inside pitch and then commence full shoulder. It seems hard to achieve 105 degree shoulder rotation on an inside pitch when a batter starts at -15 degrees. When My sons start closed they go to right field well. if they start open they pull well[ but not to right field]. If they start with shoulder pointed toward pitcher they don't go to right well. [ righty hitters]. Is it wrong to teach allowing shoulder to uncock and slip open slightly before initiating shoulder rotation on inside pitch. <<<

Hi Gordy

If a batter has the correct inward turn of the shoulders in the launch position, there should be no reason for opening the shoulders (even slightly) for inside pitches. One of the common problems I find with batters hitting off a tee (or bag work) is that their launch position addresses the tee (or bag) rather than the pitcher. In other words, when addressing the tee, their inward-turn rotates their shoulders 30 to 45 degrees more than when looking in the direction of the pitcher.

Gordy, the results of what I stated above seems to fit what you described -- good power to the opposite field & little to the pull side. However, without seeing your son's swing, I am only guessing.

Jack Mankin