Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Thu Nov 14 00:21:37 2002

>>> Does loading have a real effect on how far or hard you hit the ball?? <<<

Hi Jakey

Yes, loading the muscles is important, but once again we must define what we mean by the term. To a linear coach, “loading” would probably have the hands go straight back. He would say you should “walk away from your hands” or “you must go back before you go forward.” I have heard it stated that these actions load the muscles so that the hands can be “sling-shot” at the ball. And I can see how that result could occur with those instructions.

A good portion of total bat speed generated by a great hitter comes from a circular hand-path. Therefore, the rotational hitter loads his leg and torso muscles with an inward-turn or counter-rotation of the shoulders. In other words, counter-rotates to the launch position so that as shoulder rotation is initiated, his hands are launched into a circular path.

Note: I tell the hitter he should “hide his hands from the pitcher” with the inward-turn.

Jack Mankin