quote:
Originally posted by tongzilla
quote:Originally posted by EdZ
many swingers NEED to 'let' that heel come up - most average players are not anywhere near as flexible as they think they are! Most of the issues with raising the heel are really issues of the right leg not staying at the same angle - a sway.
Hitters should avoid it and keep a more 'stable' base - a shorter whip
EdZ,
How can I tell whether or not a Swinger 'needs' to let their heel come up? Is there a benchmark or something?
Thanks.
Generally speaking 'swingers' do better to get to a full shoulder turn, left shoulder 'under' the chin . The shoulder turn and hands should maintain their 'relative' relationships - to get the general idea, practice with a constant angle between the left arm and shoulder line (Mike Austin's "keeping the '7'") - this keeps the relationship between the hands and chest moving properly through impact (the straight 'spoke' from 'center' to PP#1). Extensor action helps greatly. The important key is that the hands to chest relationship is a 'result' of proper Rhythm, and not a tension inducing move (but will likely be as you try this drill the first times). There must be a
'swinging motion'
The longer the backswing (swingers going to 'end') the more shoulder turn. A hitter goes only to 'top' in large part to maintain the hands to chest relationship - less timing involved -
maintaining the right leg angle, and getting the 'back to the target' are important 'swingers' keys - see VJ's coil for a great example. This also helps ensure the momentum transfer of the 'cracking whip' that moves up from the left foot, through the body, and through the hands at impact.
