Posted by: Major Dan (markj89@charter.net) on Wed Feb 28 13:08:48 2001

Dear Jack,
> > > I remember once when I asked you should the back knee turn in, and down and in, and you stated that any lowering of the back knee would move the axis forward. Nevertheless, after testing that opinion a few time, I have reason to believe that the back knee should turn down and in. Here's why:
> > >
> > > I would agree that if the front knee landed stiff, and the back knee lowered, it would shift the axis. However, when both legs are used, the bent knee must straighten, and push the hip up and outward. That would mean that just rotating the back leg would be a positioning move for the front hip to rotate around the back hip.
> > >
> > > Therefore, the axis must be stabilized. If the front knee is moving up (by straightening and outward, the back leg must not only turn, but lower a certain degree to both stabilize the axis, and prevent the front hip from traveling around the back hip.
> > >
> > > Since up-outward/down-in are binary opposites, they should cancel out, and the body should rotate around a stationary axis.
> > >
> > > Jack, please provide an opinion ASAP, because I finally believe I unlocked the secret to good rotation.
> > >
> > > Sincerely,
> > > Knight1285@aol.com
> > > The Black Hole Lexicographer
> >
> > BHL -
> > You have to use both legs to rotate around the center. You have to use both legs to get maximum leg power into the rotation. Sounds like you are on the right track. IMO, the front leg straightens and pushes back resulting in some 'up' action, the back leg turns over and the back knee drives forward resulting in some 'down' action. But the effect is as you described it.
> > I have seen bad swings where the back knee simply drops. This results in a slow hip turn and a swing entirely off the back side with batdrag/sweep.
> > So the backleg turnover and drive must be done correctly. Turning the back leg over puts the kneecap on the down side of the leg. The "L" bend in the knee points the knee downward. The knee has to be lower at this point than before back leg turnover. If the knee is intentionally dropped lower than that, the weight shifts back beyond the front of the back thigh, and onto the back foot. This causes a sitting back, or too much weight on the back side and tilts the axis backward, usually resulting in an uppercut swing.
> > My suggestion is that the cue to use is to turn the back leg over and drive the knee forward. The natural down motion will happen. Cueing students to drop the back knee may result in overdoing a natural movement to the point where it is counterproductive to the swing. ,,Major Dan,BHL,tim,does anyone feel you start with your weight centered in the stance then shifts back with the inward turn then as the rear knee rotates forward and front knee straightens and pushes the front hip back with the swing your weight once again finishes centered between your front and back foot.I'm thinking a hitting thought for balance or weight shift to be center back center but getting no opinions back that follows my thought.

RQL -
I was of your opinion as well. However, the move to center IMO should go past center by a little. I believe that many strong hitters do this. The loading of the front leg (weight onto lead leg) powers the plyometric response (stretch/contract). The theory I have been working with lately, is that front heel down is the lower body trigger. It starts the front leg straigtening and pushing back the lead hip. The back leg joins in quickly, turning the hips through.
Loading the front leg before pushback powers this sequence better than unweighting the front leg before pushback.
Review Mike Epstein's materials. That's where I learned this. I have used his lower body mechanics to improve a number of my students. THe bats quicken up noticably using this method. And I see major leaguers doing this, since I've started looking for it.
Let me know what you think.