LOWER BODY


LOWER BODY IN THE SWING
I believe that the lower body generates the trigger, the power, and bat speed in a swing. I also believe that before a student can use her lower body to generate these attributes, she must first possess the coordination that allows her to rotate through the swing with balance intact. Therefore, I will often work for a while on footwork and hip rotation, allowing other very important elements to wait until they can be taught in conjunction with their balance. Again, this is a different situation with each student.



FOOTWORK AND STANCE
I like to start with the student concentrating on being on the balls of her feet. I often ask the student to start flat footed at ready, then rise to the balls of her feet at set, in an attempt to stress the idea. Example I also stress the need to rotate better on the balls of the feet during the swing. I like a very silent swing that allows the body to rotate without interfering with the ability to see the ball or the need to pull from the contact.



HIPS AND LEGS
I will work with a student on allowing her hips to rotate just after her hands move inside the ball and pull the arms to the ball. This is what I like to call a trigger or a commitment to swinging at the ball. Everything else before this point can be stopped. Once the hips begin to rotate I will advise the student to go ahead and swing. Example I teach that the back leg creates drive and the front leg creates friction in the swing. These two working together will create bat speed and power. Example