Jenna Lilley

There's no denying that JL is one of the top players in the nation, and being only a Sophomore, we can expect that she will continue to get better. Her hitting has proven to be successful, so there's no argument that her mechanics get the job done at a very high level. That said...

...is JL's swing and example use as a template for young hitters? Could she (theoretically) be better if she made some changes? To me, it looks like it's a little "pushy" with the hands compared with the MLB swings that are typically used as examples of good swings. However, I've been told I'm wrong on that issue before. Other than that, I like the swing a lot.

I'm curious what others are seeing.

EDIT: For clarity, this is the swing I'm commenting on...

To me, it looks like it's a little "pushy" with the hands compared with the MLB swings that are typically used as examples of good swings.

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I agree with the bold above. Also not a fan of the 'sway' back. Does get some 'separation with the straighting of the front arm.
I didn't comment because in the past most don't like critic of a college player. I'll just say it's not my 'style' of a hitting.

rdbass said:

I agree with the bold above. Also not a fan of the 'sway' back. Does get some 'separation with the straighting of the front arm.
I didn't comment because in the past most don't like critic of a college player. I'll just say it's not my 'style' of a hitting.

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My comments were regarding her more recent swing (the one posted in post #1). I'm with you on the "sway-back" you posted. I don't love it.

Yes, 'a little pushy'. Hands move forward before barrel turn. Shifts THEN swings .Maybe because of slower batting practice pitches. I'd be OK with this swing.

Eric F said:

...is JL's swing and example use as a template for young hitters?

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Base upon recent trends in discussions here regarding younger players learning swings...

Id say that most here would criticize her COM loading back over (and beyond?) her rear foot.
Most strive for COM remaining between the legs, and a FbC approach?
Some would criticize her as "too much frontal plane movement" or "all back, all forward", I think?
Also, watch her head, and how far it drops on her rearward load.
Lastly, she doesn't seem to exhibit much of the "spine tilt" that is a recent hot topic. "swings with shoulders level" is probably another barb to throw...

BUT... the forward part of her swing looks balanced and powerful to me.
And she is a successful hitter.
So what do I know...

corlay said:

Base upon recent trends in discussions here regarding younger players learning swings...

Id say that most here would criticize her COM loading back over (and beyond?) her rear foot.
Most strive for COM remaining between the legs, and a FbC approach?
Some would criticize her as "too much frontal plane movement" or "all back, all forward", I think?
Also, watch her head, and how far it drops on her rearward load.
Lastly, she doesn't seem to exhibit much of the "spine tilt" that is a recent hot topic. "swings with shoulders level" is probably another barb to throw...

BUT... the forward part of her swing looks balanced and powerful to me.
And she is a successful hitter.
So what do I know...

Click to expand...

Which swing are you commenting on?

corlay said:

Base upon recent trends in discussions here regarding younger players learning swings...

Id say that most here would criticize her COM loading back over (and beyond?) her rear foot.
Most strive for COM remaining between the legs, and a FbC approach?
Some would criticize her as "too much frontal plane movement" or "all back, all forward", I think?
Also, watch her head, and how far it drops on her rearward load.
Lastly, she doesn't seem to exhibit much of the "spine tilt" that is a recent hot topic. "swings with shoulders level" is probably another barb to throw...

BUT... the forward part of her swing looks balanced and powerful to me.
And she is a successful hitter.
So what do I know...

Click to expand...

Some would criticize her as "too much frontal plane movement" or "all back, all forward",

Click to expand...

I thought that too....'all back, all forward'.

Look at what the hitter does with he front foot. Front foot isn't 'planted'/heel plant until during swing. Shifts AND swings(good). Not a swing style to teach a younger hitter.
Again JMHO.

player avg gp-gs ab r h 2b 3b hr rbi tb slg% bb hbp so gdp ob% sf sh sb-att po a e fld%
Lilley, Jenna .427 59-59 164 60 70 16 2 6 44 108 .659 39 8 15 1 .539 6 3 16-18 33 81 6 .950

led a top 5 D1 team in hitting as a rookie. Pac 12 rookie of the year.

Best warm up routine in softball and my little one's favorite player. keep swinging Jenna...yer doin' just fine girl.

Eric F said:

Jenna Lilley (Oregon/US Jr. Nat Team) - Batting practice at USWNT tryouts today...

Thoughts on this swing?

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Jenna has dominated at the plate at every level. My DD lost to her team 2x in HS State Championship. Has always hit for average and power with very few strikeouts. Super tough out. I also knew a bit about her commitment to practice and her work ethic is second to none, When She was 13 I remember her family telling me her team did work off Bill Hillhouse as part of their training. They also, if memory serves me correctly, worked of a machine at 60 mph for 30 feet. Special player with a great attitude.

Though it looks all back and all forward she seemed to have great adjustability to pitches. Once she touches down on front side and sways back to center as her timing mechanism she moves into great barrel rotation into contact.

I didn't comment because in the past most don't like critic of a college player.

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Carry on..........