Before the Brush

JJsqueeze · Nov 6, 2015

it lets you get really wide to start so you can have a good strong backwards load, then by sliding over you ensure you are fully loaded into the back leg because the front foot has to be unweighted to slide. I also like the timing benefits. By keeping the front foot in motion it just gives a more active rhythm to the motion. Not an absolute by any stretch of the imagination. We introduced it about a year ago on a recommendation from Javasource and DD likes the feel. I think we were doing our first step back work at the time.

Perfect Circle · Nov 6, 2015

FiveFrameSwing said:
I see.

Just an observation. Your DD appears to simply walk off of her rear leg, whereas Ueno uses her rear leg much more in getting the party started.

The front foot becomes lifted. The center of pressure is 100% on the rear foot as she aligns her body into an aggressive sprinter's orientation.

There is power in this.

Yep... also... like MA she is putting in a step, not pushing off rubber..

Ken B · Nov 6, 2015

FastPitchCat said:
what's the benefit of sliding the pivot foot a little closer in before pushing off?

When you get a chance, start digging into the Drive Mechanics thread--specifically the 2 step and pushback drills. One of the keys to these drills (and ultimately a strong/efficient drive,) is getting into a sprinter position. During the slide, the front foot is completely non-weight bearing; allowing for a good lean. It can be awkward at first, but the benefit is pretty cool once they get it. Another option is to start with the front foot well forward with just the heel in contact with the front edge of the plate. In this set up, you unweight the front side while sliding the foot back.

(Dang... JJ beat me again... What he said /\...)

javasource · Nov 6, 2015

FastPitchCat said:
what's the benefit of sliding the pivot foot a little closer in before pushing off?

It serves as a means of centering.
It serves as means of creating momentum via weight transfer.
It serves as a trigger to a ballistic movement.

Ken B · Nov 6, 2015

Whoa!!! JS drive by!!!

dmaeganx2 · Nov 6, 2015

I was going to say something like that but you beat me 2 it

FrozenRope · Nov 6, 2015

Jave...... LOVE your "Drive Mechanics" thread....Respect your knowledge...and put you in the top 1% of valuable posters to this pitching forum..... but the slide....to me....adds no value. I believe it may help some...but to do it as part of a generic teaching....will create more headaches downstream that it will add benefit. Nothing in your Drive Mechanics thread relies on a lateral movement of the drive foot prior to go time. I'd argue a slight toe lift is enough to get the momentum started.

javasource · Nov 6, 2015

Rope, thanks for the kind words. I do believe we've had this conversation offline... as I recall you taking this position before. That said, I don't use it as a generic method... and it is in the DM sticky.

I teach a slide just like I teach a backswing.... not just to do them, but to use them to enhance a motion. I don't teach a kid to load into knee flexion, hold it, then go... as I know that it is less optimal. Try jumping without and premovement. Try kicking a ball without first moving your leg backwards. You see only a lateral move... i see a trigger for elastic stored energy.

I get sick to my stomache when a kid gets lost into a backswing and everything just comes forward together. I want their forward body momentum to pull the arm out of the backswing.

I would also say that a centering slide eliminates lateral movement... and is used to excite an explosive forward movement.

Regardless of the position one takes here... I think it is important that we always consider what it is we could do better... so as to allow our body to work more efficiently. At some point in my journey, I decided to make these kind of things absolutes while instructing. Sure, these things aren't for all, but they are for me... hope you understand my position.

FrozenRope · Nov 7, 2015

javasource said:
Rope, thanks for the kind words. I do believe we've had this conversation offline... as I recall you taking this position before. That said, I don't use it as a generic method... and it is in the DM sticky.

I teach a slide just like I teach a backswing.... not just to do them, but to use them to enhance a motion. I don't teach a kid to load into knee flexion, hold it, then go... as I know that it is less optimal. Try jumping without and premovement. Try kicking a ball without first moving your leg backwards. You see only a lateral move... i see a trigger for elastic stored energy.

I get sick to my stomache when a kid gets lost into a backswing and everything just comes forward together. I want their forward body momentum to pull the arm out of the backswing.

I would also say that a centering slide eliminates lateral movement... and is used to excite an explosive forward movement.

Regardless of the position one takes here... I think it is important that we always consider what it is we could do better... so as to allow our body to work more efficiently. At some point in my journey, I decided to make these kind of things absolutes while instructing. Sure, these things aren't for all, but they are for me... hope you understand my position.

I've tried it in the past and felt it reduced my balance.....I'll give it a whirl today...me.... not DD. I've actually gotten to the point I can chuck it pretty well.

Perfect Circle · Nov 7, 2015

Before the Brush

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JJsqueeze

Dad, Husband....legend

Perfect Circle

Ken B

javasource

6-4-3 = 2

Ken B

dmaeganx2

FrozenRope

javasource

6-4-3 = 2

FrozenRope

Perfect Circle

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