Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Thu Dec 16 23:49:52 1999

> > Hello Jack- Concerning you last statements, I have a question, why do all pro hitters even bother with shifting weight, if this is expended energy. Now on the other hand, If a hitter steps too soon and plants his front foot too soon and is waiting too long for the pitch to come, where there is no rhythmic of fluid timing of the pitch, then many times they are only left with rotation to hit the ball. These type of swings were the timing is way of too soon creates lunging and weak swings.regards..dog
> > Hi Dog

All pro hitters do not stride forward during the swing. But you are right, almost all do. The stride though is getting shorter and the foot plant is softer and softer. If more weight shift were helpful, why wouldn’t they be striding harder and longer. Jeff Bagwell starts with a wide stance and his step is back toward the catcher. Wouldn’t that be subtracting from his bat speed?

You are right again, rhythm is important and a short stride works just fine. Have you ever noted how long Tiger Woods stride is? But then he is hitting a stationary ball.

Jack Mankin