Scap loading

Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch

Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web.

May 3, 2014
2,149
83
5frames,

You know that the scap can be pinched early in some hitters. In this thread there are two clips of Pujols, clip 1 of the side view shows an earlier scap pinch (we can't see the scap, but it looks like it is loaded] and the one above of Pujols back shows the scap pinching as the hips start (later pinch).

I'll post the two clips,

giphy.gif
Pujols-Albert-2011-Behind-GRD-RFL-Load-Loop.gif


The side view is hard to say when the scap is pinched, but it looks earlier then the back view. I have a clip of Arod where the pinch is early, a back view, but it's copyright protected.

Why can't the scap be pinched and then pulls back even more as you move out and start the swing? And in pulling back even more I mean it intensifies it's clamp so as not to release.
 
Last edited:
Jun 17, 2009
15,105
0
Portland, OR
This is an area where my DD could use some improvement. Where is this "feel-sensor" located? How you describe it to your hitters?

Your daughter is still welcome to visit for a hitting session.

The feel sensor to be placed is around the rear scap. I describe it to a hitter as a pressure that results from the shoulders resisting the rotation induced by the core and lower body. The notion is to allow this pressure to exist, and not 'push' out of it, so as to enable efficient energy transfer.
 
Jun 17, 2009
15,105
0
Portland, OR
In one clip perhaps, the side view, you could say he is pulling back. Although the bat is in a different position. In the side view he is tipping the barrel forward from an un-cocked position.

What about this clip,

giphy.gif


He is starting with the barrel in a similar position and then tips it forward.

This is why I asked earlier which portion of the swing you were speaking of in terms of scap loading. What you show towards the beginning of this GIF is the "preparation to throw" portion of the swing ... the portion of the swing during the "reading of the pitch". This action is simply that ... a preparation to throw ... somewhat akin to a catcher taking the ball out of their glove during a transfer near their rear shoulder. This action helps hitters create separation ... i.e., "walking away from the hands" ... they move forward as they prepare to throw.

Towards the end of this GIF the lower body and torso turn/twist while the shoulders resist being turned ... that was what I believe you earlier referred to as scap pull back ... and to me the build up of pressure in the scap during that segment of the swing is simply the result of the shoulders resisting being rotated.
 
Jan 6, 2009
6,591
113
Chehalis, Wa
Why can't the scap be pinched and then pulls back even more as you move out and start the swing? And in pulling back even more I mean it intensifies it's clamp so as not to release.

First let me say that I believe in relaxation in the upperbody. Perhaps not dead hands relaxation, but a connected relaxation. Loading the scap can create as many problems as it solves. I want the upperbody to follow the sequence. So I believe the swing is violent enough without creating excessive tension in the beginning.

I believe you are correct there can be some pinching and then as the lowerbody pulls on the arms/bat to overcome inertia the scap gets pinched some more as seen in the back view of Pujols. So is scap loading a result? You could say that as well. I have no problem with 5frames point of view on scap loading.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Your daughter is still welcome to visit for a hitting session.

The feel sensor to be placed is around the rear scap. I describe it to a hitter as a pressure that results from the shoulders resisting the rotation induced by the core and lower body. The notion is to allow this pressure to exist, and not 'push' out of it, so as to enable efficient energy transfer.

Since our friends have moved out of the Portland area in favor of Puget Sound, there's not much chance I'll be near your 'hood any time soon.

That makes sense...Allow the pressure to be created by separation, and maintain the pressure. Thanks.
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
42,831
Messages
679,484
Members
21,445
Latest member
Bmac81802
Top