Posted by: Major Dan (markj89@charter.net) on Tue Dec 4 05:07:25 2001

Jack has said lower body is only as important as its help to shoulder rotation,I agree.However I believe it can hinder as much as help shoulder rotation.To me the axis in a proper center position is what allows for the separation and the shoulders to generate the speed.Now the 1st place I think that a swing can get linear is with the stride,many talk about driving off the rear foot.I believe that if the rear heel lifts up from weight coming off it then your weight shift.If your rear heel comes up by being turned from rear knee drive then you will rotate.It is at this point I believe the lower body becomes one or the other.
>
> Hey RQL
> You have probably already heard this, it holds true for both pitching and hitting. Your foot should land open on your stride so your foot is at a 45 degree angle, this should allow the hips to rotate without being restricted. I think that the hips could even remain even or slightly open. You should rotate your shoulders as far back so it doesnt restrict your vision. All of the slack should be taken out of the lead shoulder, so any movement with the hips will result in a corresponding movement of the shoulders. By landing with front foot open and keeping your shoulders back results in your upper body acting as a giant rubber band, and increasing the speed of shoulder rotation.
> The Hitman

RQL-
I like your point. Don't know if it is always true (there's always some weird guy who...), but it certainly is the right approach IMO as well. Turning the back foot over drives the hip through; pushing with the back foot simply shifts the weight.
I suspect that this is the real meaning of 'squish the bug'.
[oh, oh, that could get some reactions!!!]