Posted by: Mike Myers (mike.myers@bellnexxia.com) on Mon Jan 27 20:38:20 2003

Jack,
> >
> > Is this really necessary?
> >
> > I am accustomed to loading by winding my body with a loose reverse cork-screw configuration, where much of my stored rotational energy springs forth on launch.
> >
> > I find a pre-launch forward step adds nothing to this powerful hitting position. In fact, it only adds to a sense of being off-balance.
> >
> > Can you suggest a logical reason for the forward step prior to launch?
> >
> > I've seen many Greats do it, however, I can find little logic to suggest it is optimal. If you are stepping forward, how can this possibly serve a rotational purpose? It seems, at best, linear in nature, as it can only affect hip displacement toward the pitcher prior to launch. At worst, the step is so large as to calcify hip position, and limit rotation. Many people call it a "timing" step, however, I find timing is not a problem without it.
> >
> > My legs snap just before contact and supply power as required without a pre-launch step.
> >
> > What am I missing here?
> ****************************************************************
> Which method allows for maximum rotational force and torque? IMHO by stepping you allow the back side to work against a firm front side. Could you throw a ball side arm harder/faster with a step or without one??

If you read Jack's essay on "Transfer Your Weight To a Stiff Front Leg" in "Truism or Fallacy", you'll see he advocates even rotation of hips from equal power of both legs, NOT using a stiff front leg as a pivot:

"NOTE: Yes, we do hit off of a fairly straight front leg. But we should not think of it as "throwing our weight onto (or against) a stiff front leg." The batter's lead knee will be well flexed and pointing at the plate as the swing starts. Then, the lead knee and leg rotate and straighten to drive the front hip in an arc around toward the catcher at the same rate the back leg rotates the back hip around toward the pitcher. So yes, at contact, full rotation of the hips will have occurred and thus the front leg will have fully extended. --- When the arms reach full extension and the bat is sweeping past the pitcher, the pulling action of the bat's momentum can pull the body forward enough that the weight on the back foot becomes light or may even clear the ground. But this comes from the bat's reaction - not casting weight forward."

From this description, there is absolutely no reason to believe a pre-launch forward step is necessary to effect a proper leg mechanic. Again - if both legs power rotation evenly, and in unison - then how can a forward step promote this?