javasource
6-4-3 = 2
I don't mind the opposing views as it leads to a better discussion in my opinion. One could use a little tact when providing an alternate viewpoint with a topic but it doesn't bother me or make the material presented less valuable.
Gunner,
I totally agree with you... but you've been around this DFP block long enough to know that OILF is not simply adding a different perspective, she's trying to start a mutiny - because she NEVER... and I mean EVER offers suggestions on how to help a student/player (at least on the pitching forums...). I'm all about a good debate - but when it's not about an exchange of ideas... and you use the word "Wow" in a derogatory context, it's very evident that you disprove of the POSTER and care less about the content.
Why do I take this position regarding the content?... let us use the Carly article that OILF recommends... here's the link.
Carly says:
To put it simply, this is the load: It’s the part of your pre-motion where you get 100% OF YOUR WEIGHT on the foot you’re going to use to push off the rubber. That’s bold and all caps for a reason. I don’t mean 50% or 75%. I mean ONE HUNDRED PERCENT.
I wrote:
At no time in this drill… will both feet bare weight at the same time. You MUST teach this concept correctly. It’s either 100% of her weight or 0%. No exceptions.
Carly says:
A reverse load is characterized by a deep bend in the waist...
... And when you bend deeply at the waist in your pre-motion, it sends your hips BACK.
Perhaps OILF needs an interpreter, but what Carly is saying is: Don't bend in the waist, as this can create a situation where your hips move back... and because you're bent over at the waist, you think you are performing a linear move (momentum change)... when in reality... you're just bent at the waist.
I wrote:
The rearward slide and center of the drive foot is absolutely critical. It shows you that she transferred ALL her weight backwards onto the stride foot and MOVED backwards.
I don't exactly agree with Carly on this... as I know a bend in the waist can transfer into energy... it requires a rearward transfer of weight from one foot to the other. This said, I do agree that I don't encourage a huge bend in the waist.
In the video I say:
... and a slight bend in my waist. Don't want you pulling off an Amanda (Scarborough) here... where you're actually bent over looking at your feet...
I also tell them to start the lean during the back-step... and if you do this, you will move backwards, not just bow... and have established more distance to travel your newly created energy through (pre-motion)
Carly says:
Notice how the reverse load is also characterized by rocking forward, then back, and bending only at the waist.
Now take a careful look at this video of a good, strong load. Notice how it’s achieved by rocking back, then forward, and bending at the knees as well as the waist.
To which I say nearly the same thing!!!
… so we need to teach pitchers how to create what I call “stationary momentum”, teaching them immediate weight transfer, and establishing momentum through a rearward (or negative) move.
I could do this all day... the point being... is that if OILF actually read Carly's post... or actually read mine and watched my video, she would immediately see that we are saying SIMILAR things. But, Gunner... it's not about the content with OILF... or the game, or instruction, or the KIDS!!!.... it's about criticism. She adds nothing, just TRIES to subtract.
In lieu of JJ's comments... I would like to point out one thing that I do not agree with that Carly says in that video... because this is ABOUT DRIVE MECHANICS... and SHARING information. If Carly wants to chime in, I more than welcome her feedback - as she is doing what I am doing: Trying to help people become better pitchers.
Carly says:
A reverse load occurs when the majority of your weight is placed on the stride foot during the pre-motion instead of the push foot. Think about that for a minute. Does it make sense to put your weight on the foot you’re about to stride with, instead of the one you want to use to propel yourself forward?
To this... I do not agree. You will create more FORWARD energy if you have more space to travel through AND if you immediately transfer 100% of your weight FROM YOUR STRIDE FOOT... TO YOUR DRIVE FOOT. I've already posted proof of young pitchers... here's some older ones... I won't comment on what she meant... but frankly, I was a little surprised to see what she wrote in this context.
This is really the only glaring difference between Carly's post and mine... she doesn't talk about 'gym steps' either. For that matter... the words 'False Load' are not used either.
As you can see... these ladies have a 100% on their stride foot. Then 0%. It's immediate transfer... and wait... is that a gym step???!!! Wow... The two best pitchers in the world... hmm...
Let us not us use successful athletes... instead... lets just take the word of a varsity (JV?) coach that doesn't tell you what you should do... just what you shouldn't. To me, Gunner... and I know I'm not alone... OILF needs to start adding to this board - or just walk away.