Posted by: George () on Thu Sep 13 16:57:17 2007

> > Although Junior has been one of the top hitters on teams he has played on he decided to convert to a rotational swing to get more power. Junior took a series of rotational swing instructions from a Epstein certfied instructor about 2 months ago.
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> > During batting practice he is able to get his swing plane slightly upward and can match anyone on his travel team for power although he is one of the smaller players on the team. However during games he has more of a level swing. I believe that during practice he has time to make adjustment to get his swing on the right plane.
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> > Under the pressure of game conditions his shoulder stays level and his swing is level and although he is selective on the pitch he swings at he generally will put the ball in play on most pitches he swings at. Seems to do ok on high pitches but does not drive pitches down the middle like he does during practice. He has always done a lot of dry swings and t work and the coach who gave him instructions on rotational mechanics felt that because his old swing was so groved, it will take him time to make the transition to a rotational swing. Any suggestions to make the transition easier. Also, how long does it take to get a rotational swing groved.
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> Just a comment, a lot of major leaguers have had to make somewhat of a transission when going from aluminum to wood bats. And the higher the level of competion, the more challenging it becomes to keep the swing consistent. As such you often see some hitters succumb to the sophomore jinx.


Kupuna. Notice how on the video in the middle of the screen at the site listed the hitter uses a linear cut with a rotational swing to kill the ball. The key to the hitters power is in the leg kick. Some major league hitters (Ortiz, A-Rod, an Ramirizez use the leg kick to increase power.) Note David Ortiz was not the same hitter he was when he played for the Minnesota Twins. The key is the leg lift.