New batting mechanics

quote:

Originally posted by Pitcher02Varsity:
Well I've been talking with my pitching/hitting coach and he's started changing my hitting. He's getting me to load my hips first when the pitchers arms seperate. After I load my hips back I take my back elbow down and take the knob of the bat and keep it to the inside of the ball. So I'm hitting by staying inside the ball instead of coming out and around. It seems to be helping my balance and I can hit more pitches now. Has anyone heard of this or any thoughts about it?

Sounds like pretty standard rotational hitting instruction.

quote:

Originally posted by thepainguy:

quote:

Originally posted by Pitcher02Varsity:
Well I've been talking with my pitching/hitting coach and he's started changing my hitting. He's getting me to load my hips first when the pitchers arms seperate. After I load my hips back I take my back elbow down and take the knob of the bat and keep it to the inside of the ball. So I'm hitting by staying inside the ball instead of coming out and around. It seems to be helping my balance and I can hit more pitches now. Has anyone heard of this or any thoughts about it?

Sounds like pretty standard rotational hitting instruction.

Well it's hard to say if that is rotational or not from that description. That part about taking the back elbow down has me a little concerned (sounds like he's slotting the elbow).

quote:

Originally posted by RobV:
Well it's hard to say if that is rotational or not from that description. That part about taking the back elbow down has me a little concerned (sounds like he's slotting the elbow).

What's wrong with the concept of slotting the elbow?

It is what the top hitters do at the point of contact. Is your concern that people can take it too literally?

It may be an interpretational difference as to the timing of the back elbow drop. Initially, the back arm is held higher than shown--especially at scap load and as the barrel is slightly tilted back toward the pitcher. Then, the rear arm drops/tucks during the hand's rotation of the bat toward the swing path.

Well it may be an interpretation thing. When I hear of slotting the elbow (disconnection with the front side and rotation), I am thinking that the back elbow is moving down before any rotation begins (esentially creating "slop" in the swing which causes drag and a "long" swing).

Hope that explains it.

I know what you were saying. TPG's pictures indicate a different moment in the swing. You were talking pre-rotation and he is discussing leading into contact. That's why I wanted to put that on the table.

Great. I'm glad I was making sense.

Ha thread hijack :P. But TJP has the pictures right about what my coach is teaching me. It looks just like that. Wow this all seemed weird to me when he said it because I've been hitting way different but this has done wonders for my power

This says it all...

http://photos.imageevent.com/siggy/hitting/pro//DOrtiz2002MIN_Double_SView.gif

quote:

What's wrong with the concept of slotting the elbow?

Nothing wrong unless it's a conscious movement i.e. intentional tucking action...

Forearm rotation (not shoulder rotation) essentially slots the elbow and gets it where it needs to be.

The rear elbow is a no teach.

Do what you're supposed to do with the hands/forearms and the elbow will do "whatever"....which is perfect.

Tip the barrel during the stride and aim for the inside seam on a ball on the tee and the elbow is not discussed.

I agree...don't coach it down or you will have it coming down prematurely and ruining the relationship of rear elbow / lead leg opening horizontal connections that define torque

Tipping the barrel in hitting is the same as thumb down hand break in pitching. What happens at hand break in pitching.....the hips coil as the stride begins . What happens when you tip the barrel ...the hips coil as the stride begins.

When do the shoulders complete the load....just before foot plant . That is WHY and HOW the rear elbow gets to the TOP of the load cycle as the hips have opened and just before the front side blocks

It is important to see that

Swingbuster, nice description. Thanks.