I have two sons, one is a college all conference soph and the other is a junior in high school that was all state last year. Both hit left handed and their swings/approach are very different. One starts open and closes his front shoulder with the stride, the other is spread out pretty wide. One starts with the bat just off his shoulder and the other moves his bat up and down (more than I like) before getting started. Over the years we've spent time in the cage working on what each one is comfortable with and what was mechanically sound. On the 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' comment, I wasn't anywhere close to saying be satisfied. We are constantly tinkering with their approaches in the box. I just was saying that hitting isn't easy. I've seen too many kids get really screwed up trying to hit using what someone else said was the 'correct' way to hit. Being comfortable is the key to being successful. There's been great info on this thread, I enjoy reading other's ideas and you never know when someone will same something that turns a light on in your head to pass on to your kids.
Just reviving this thread, and with an update. Never believed stride was important, and son never was successful with a stride. Have tried it twice in the past and with poor results. Coil and un-coil, no-stride has always been successful for 2018. However, Ex-MLB players/summer travel coaches pretty insistent over this past winter on adding stride, so 2018 agreed to try it again. Looked okay in winter cage sessions. Fast forward to HS season. 2018 has been hitting okay with average first 1/2 of HS season, but swing looks worse, timing is not good, power is not what it used to be, and can tell he is just thinking too much. Asked son if he wanted to go back to no stride. "Absolutely, Dad. Marte (Pirates left fielder) does not stride and he is in the show. I felt better the no stride way". Went and hit after HS game that night. Within a few reps, the mechanics came back. The swing looked fluid again, timing was better, and stress seemed to disappear from his swing and face. We made a pact to never ever stride, unless he was suddenly no longer successful with his no stride approach. Stick to what made you successful. Results should be the only concern. Just wanted to share. Stick to your guns!