Posted by: Major Dan (markj89@charter.net) on Tue Jan 28 12:46:04 2003

>> > 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? <<<
> >
> > Hi Mike
> >
> > You made some good points for the “no-stride” approach. But taking a soft 6 inch stride does not necessarily mean there is a forward weight transfer. I have noted this to be true for some of the better hitters. Bonds, for example, has picked up his lead foot and placed it six inches or so farther out while his head and body lowered but stayed back. So, would a “knee-cock” serve the same purpose as his soft stride? Many others have posted the observation that Bonds actually has a “negative weight shift” during many of his swings – his weight fades back 3 or 4 inches toward the catcher from initiation to contact.
> >
> > But for whatever reason, many hitters will tell you that they have more power with a stride than with no-stride. --- Mike and mb, there was a good discussion on this topic on Jan 20 titled “The stride’s role in the swing.” Please read it and give us your thoughts.
> >
> > Jack Mankin
>
> First I want do define what I call a stride. If there is or isn't a stride is determined by the heel. If the foot turns but the heel moves less then, say, 2 inches then it is no a stride. If the heel moves more then 2 inches then it is a stride.
>
>
> In order for a batter to lift the foot to make a stride all the weight must transfer to the back foot. Then, when he foot moves forward and, if the batter puts any weight on it, the body will move forward. This is a double weight shift.
>
> The only way to avoid a double weight shift is for the batter to be standing, in the stance, with all weight on the back foot or to have weight on both feet and not striding.
>
> All of this shifting can happen either before the pitch is released or after.
>
> To avoid a double weight shift after the ball is released, the stride must be completed and the body stabilized before the ball is released. In this case a stride cannot add any power to the swing.
>
> Unless someone is advocating a double weight shift while the ball is in flight or that the batter should be in the stance with 100% weight on the back foot? Is anyone advocting either of these options?
>
> What about head movement? With a 6 inch stride the batter can not avoid moving the head forward and down at least 2 inches. Moving the head after the ball is released is wrong, isn't it? Moving it before the ball is released means nothing. At this point the body as assumed a new "stance" and the swing is launched from that postion just as thought there was no stride.
>
> There is no way a stride is helpful.
>
> S. Procito
> >
> >

Pretty much every hitter uses the 'double weight shift'. Timing in relation to the pitch release is critical. Clearly fast pitching cannot be hit with a dbl wt shift after release.
Hitters either start back or load to more weight back than forward.
However the weight is not 'on' the back foot, it is inside the back foot - meaning that picking up the front foot does not leave the hitter balanced like a flamingo on one leg. Rather, it causes the body to 'fall' forward as the weight is against the back foot.
This falling forward and down onto the front foot causes the plyometric load that unloads into rotation.
You can do that with a stride or a hip shift from a no-stride look.
In both cases weight goes from back to center.
It is possible with strong legs to simply start centered and low and stand-and-turn into the ball, strength overpowering inertia. Most hitters don't opt for that.

Sam, I have no idea where 2" heel movement defines stride or no-stride. I don't get it and I doubt others will buy that without more explanation and justification.
Please explain in more detail if you care to.