Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Mon Aug 7 18:14:40 2000

>>>I just finished your video, and I got so much great information. Thank you.
My question? I have trouble with players doing the inward turn and timing step. I have had them start in the "ready launch position frame #C on the web site". This seems to work. What do you think about starting in the ready launch position?
Let me know. <<<

Hi Wayne

I have no problem with a no-stride approach to the swing. But I do believe the batter needs some pre-launch movement to set the rhythm of his swing to the pitchers delivery. Some take a small stride. Some drop and raise the hands. Others like to just lift the heel of the lead foot or use the cocking of the lead knee and the inward-turn as their timing devise. During these timing moves, the batter is sub-consciously setting the muscle groups firing sequence for the initiation of the swing.

It is my opinion that if the batter starts from a cold (motionless) posture, he is likely to produce a less coordinated swing. --- This is also why I am not in favor of "quick toss" drills or pitching machines set at higher speeds. - The batter has no visual reference to set the rhythm for the swing and instead of smoothly accelerating the bat, he is more likely to "jerk" into action. Note: I hate the term - "explode into the ball."

For the above reasons I am also more in favor of "soft toss" than hitting off a tee. A batter can hit a hundred balls off the tee to find he has trouble triggering live pitching.

Jack Mankin