Is it me or do I see more and more MLB hitters with a high raising of the front foot when loading.
Seems more pronounced then ever. Is there more concentration on this style?
Is it taught more? Or is it just natural abilities?
Original Post
It is a style that is becoming more prominent at the ml level. Unfortunately, there are lots of players at lower levels trying to emulate. I understand some of the benefits as far as hip loading but it can be much more difficult from a timing and balance standpoint.
We had a talented player come through our program recently, now playing college ball. A switch hitter, he had the high leg kick from one side and not from the other. We tried to quiet things down but he wanted to stick with it (even though he was not the type of hitter who could benefit from it) and he got away with it at the HS level. He went through a really rough stretch this past summer college ball season from the high-kick side. Was ready to give up hitting from that side until college coaches nixed the high kick. Now he's back to consistently barreling the ball.