Posted by: Mike Myers (mike.myers@bellnexxia.com) on Wed Jan 29 08:47:40 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.
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> > > > > > > > > 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.
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> > > > > > > > > Can you suggest a logical reason for the forward step prior to launch?
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> > > > > > > > > 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.
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> > > > > > > > > My legs snap just before contact and supply power as required without a pre-launch step.
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> > > > > > > > > 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??
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> > > > > > > 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:
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> > > > > > > "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."
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> > > > > > > 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? <<<
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> > > > > > > Hi Mike
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> > > > > > > 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.
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> > > > > > > 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.
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> > > > > > > Jack Mankin
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> > > > > > After reading the earlier discussion I would add that the stride adds balance. As the stride goes forward the hands move back and in. Hands moving back and in causes a need for corresponding force(stride)to maintain body balance. You might be able to offset this with a wide stance and maintain balance. JUST LOOOK AT MICKEY MANTLES SWING HE HAS A LONG STRIDE AND HE HIT BALLS FARTHER THAN ANYONE.
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> > > > If Mantle had an even longer stride, would he have hit the ball farther? If Bonds had a stride as long as Mantle's would he hit the ball farther? Is stride length = hitting distance? or is there more to it? please explain your post... This just shows that everyone has a different swing.mantle just swings so hard,while bonds swing seems effortless. mantles bat speed has not been matched by know one,no one hits balls as far as him,unless your name is JOSH GIBSON,he might be the closest to mantle
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> Thank you for your opinion. However, I've never seen any batspeed measurements of Mickey Mantle as the technology didn't exist then.
> And as great as Josh Gibson probably was, separating fact from mythology is difficult. Getting any actual measurements of distance is likely more guesswork than fact.
> Both great players however and two of my personal favorites.

It is precisely those stride clips of all the greats which makes me want to incorporate a stride into my swing. (I personally feel there is no question Babe Ruth is far and away the greatest hitter of all time. Remember, he swung a 54oz bat, and crushed balls even in the dead-ball era. With all his ferocious power, he only hit 2 points below Ted Williams career average.)

However, I already have a powerful swing without it, and so far, every attempt I make to utilize a timing step just seems artificial.

When I step, people will remark it has been done correctly, however, I don't feel as though my hitting position has improved when the front foot lands. Is there anyone else who can execute this step, and yet feels it is just contrived and unnecessary?