Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Wed Sep 26 11:20:22 2007

>>> to jack- how do you coil and uncoil in your swing <<<

Hi Joey

Although many say, “You hit with your hips,” I teach my students to concentrate on the “inward turn” and rotation of their shoulders. The linkage (arms – wrist – hands) to the bat is connected to their shoulders (not their hips) and therefore, the importance of a powerful hip rotation is its’ contribution to shoulder rotation.

The second principle I teach for “coiling and uncoiling” is -- the work-load of overcoming the inertia of the bat to acceleration is what causes the “hips to lead the hands” in a high level swing. Therefore, inducing hip rotation while the shoulder remains static is counterproductive. They should induce shoulder rotation as they induce hip rotation. As I pointed out, the added load to shoulder rotation for accelerating the bat will cause the hips to lead during rotation.

The third principle I teach is – the linear movement of the body during the stride is more for timing and not a major factor in generating hip and shoulder rotation. In most high level swings, hip and shoulder rotation is induced from muscle contraction in the pelvic and torso regions plus the extension of the lead-leg driving the lead-hip rearward.

I realize these principles are at odds with the teaching of many batting authorities and I would be happy to discuss them with those that have questions.

Jack Mankin