Posted by: The Hitting Guru () on Sat Jan 6 20:55:26 2007

> > > Hi guys,
> > >
> > > I wanted to throw this out there since there are so many discussions going on with
> the use of game-film. I am a huge fan of using film of hitters and the hitter that I am
> teaching to help aid the process of improvement, but I do think it needs to be used
> cautiously.
> > >
> > > Why is it that if you look at any Major League clip of a hitter many points of the swing
> can be analized as being "rotational", but the majority of all Major League hitters work very
> hard, every day, on trying to be as "linear" as possible in certain areas of the swing. If
> every hitter that we see on film is demonstrating what "rotational" coaches see as strictly
> "rotational", than wouldn't that mean that every hitter tries to execute a strictly "rotational"
> approach?
> > >
> > > I believe that what we teach as hitting coaches should correspond more toward "feel"
> in the swing and how that "feel" can get our hitters to produce results. Just because we
> can debate over a frame here and a frame there in a clip of a swing, doesn't mean that that
> > > specific hitter believes in or even practices that certain approach.
> > >
> > > I wonder if Rose always had to try to feel like he was hitting the inside half of the ball
> in order to hit it square? I wonder if Albert Pujols has to always try to feel like he is
> swinging
> > > straight down on top of the ball in order to have his swing plane match the flight of
> the pitch (then hit it nine miles)?
> > >
> > > If you watch many hitters on deck in the Big Leagues, you'll see some funky looking
> swings. This is because the hitter has to remind himself of a certain feel that he
> personally needs in order to produce the result that he wants at the plate.
> > >
> > > I've told one hitter to try to feel one sensation then another hitter to feel something
> totally opposite to get the same result. Each hitter feels things in his/her swing slightly
> differently than another. If something shows up in one frame of a certain clip on a certain
> pitch doesn't mean that that one specific detail needs to be taught to a hitter to try to feel.
> Sometimes that is the case but it depends on the hitter.
> > >
> > > Jimmy
> >
> > ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Jimmy. You have a point regarding the use of video, but the real caution is thinking that
> there is only one way to be successful. The primary function of the coach is to get results.
> And in getting results, the most important thing for the player is likely maintaining a
> positive approach and the feel (as you alluded to) a good swing. Once the hitter has the
> basic framework, he and the coach can make positive adjustments when necessary. Many
> hitters especially older ones have to make adjustments/take shortcuts in an effort to
> duplicate production because of a decrease in strength, quickness, better pitching, or to
> combat injuries.
> >
> > This is not to say that one can't benefit from the best techniques. But many hitters have
> gotten by on physical skills and athletic ability up the point of reaching the major leagues.
> And at the major league level, some are just learning the best technique. As such many
> such players are products of quick fixes in an effort to "put food on the table".
>
> Guru,
>
> I never stated that one way was the best way. This site does in fact state that. And I do
> know that there are better ways than others.
>
> And who are these Major Leaguers that you must know that are products of "quick fixes"?
> Sure they make adjustments from time to time but it's as if you all forget that the Big
> Leagues is the highest level of baseball anywhere on the planet. Everybody should know
> that every Major League hitter knows exactly what he is trying to accomplish in practice
> and at the plate.
>
> Jimmy

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Jimmy. My comment with regard to "one way" was not directed at you personally but served to keep us all reminded to have an open eye and ear.

With regard to the quick fixes. An example would be the evolution of pre launch torque, or to a small degree having the hiter wrap the bat behind his head. I think it is safe to assume that many hitters find that pre launch torque allows them to reduce the mechanical process of getting the hands in the proper launch position.

You are right in that the big leagues are the highest level but we have to remember that the big leaguers have in general A level ability and physical fitness, but not necessarilly A level technique. That is one of the reasons that makes scouting so difficult. And a lot of guys get results because they are so much ahead of the crowd in the physical and natural ability amount. Ex. But only the hitters who can make the adjustment from the aluminum to wood best as in the case of the college player end up continuing to have success at the major league level. As such you have had .400 average college players not make it in the big leagues.

ex. Take a Juan Pierre or Miguel Dilone .340 average (3rd behind George Brett in 1980) who was soon out of baseball after only a few years. They knew how to get the bat on the ball, but it is easily argued that they do not have the best technique (at least according to this site.)