Posted by: Major Dan (markj89@charter.net) on Mon Jan 20 12:01:29 2003

Hi Gentlemen
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> Good discussion. – From our prior discussions on this topic I think we agree that forward movement (weight shift) slows to a stop before rotation starts. Since there is no linear momentum factor with a mass that is at rest, the benefit derived from the weight shift is to load the muscles that generate rotation. --- But must there be a linear weight shift to load those muscles? Suppose the batter loads by having the proper weight on the front toe in his stance as he prepares the launch position. Suppose his trigger is a little knee cock during the inward-turn instead of a linear stride. --- What would he lose with this approach?
>

Jack-
IMO the point of the 'sit' or weight shift from back to center is to use and amplify the plyometric response - when a muscle is first stretched, then contracted it contracts more forcefully. Additionally extra energy is stored in the elastic tissue (ligaments and tendons) when it stretches, and that is released in the second half of the movement - the body's rubber bands so to speak.
Doing the same movement statically bypasses this physiological advantage.
The difference in the swing is one of explosiveness. Since the hitter must wait as long as possible to read a pitch, then generate a high velocity batspeed in 4/30th-6/30th of a second, the large muscles that initiate and power the swing must contract explosively (speed-strength). The Plyometric response is the best way for the body to generate maximum strength in the minimum of time.
Your suggested alternative ["Suppose the batter loads by having the proper weight on the front toe in his stance as he prepares the launch position. Suppose his trigger is a little knee cock during the inward-turn instead of a linear stride"] does not offer such a dynamic loading process as far as I can see.