When I show this picture to baseball players and ask what is wrong or should be corrected they invariably focus on positioning of the bat and cocking of the wrists. However, positioning of the bat is relatively unimportant in the initial stages. How the bat is brought through to contact the ball is the key element to be considered.
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What the picture shows is that he is keeping his weight back on the rear leg and stepping out with the lead leg. This is a common fault of many hitters and to a good extent, many pitchers and other athletes. When striding it is important to drive the hips forward and then step out in order to maintain balance. In other words, stepping with the leg should occur after the hips already in motion. The leg should not be in action before the hips as seen in this picture. |
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To see the correct hip-leg action look at the picture of the soccer player to see the position of the hips as he prepares to execute with the free leg. |
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NEXT WEEK: We’ll examine the technique in this picture, from the San Diego Union-Tribune. Can you see what’s wrong with it? Check back to find Dr. Yessis’ take. |
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