What is weight shift?

Shawn said:

Just as the topic, what is weight shift to you? What role does it play in the swing?

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This depends on each person's definitions of the terms "weight" and "shift". These conversations often break down because people have different views on the terms. In my opinion, the terms themselves are not as important as how they are applied in the instruction, and how the student interprets them. A phrase such as "weight transfers from the rear leg to the front leg" makes me nervous. My fear is a student will interpret that in such a way that they will end up with their weight too far forward (towards the pitcher). I noticed that Eric was careful in stating "against the rear side...against the front side". I consider that more accurate.

Guys, The reason I asked the question is that I'm seeing very little weight shift or shifting. There is some during the preparing to swing, but not that much really.

Eric F said:

against the front side

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Eric F said:

Yeah. I had a feeling I was off on my terms.

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Since my DD started pitching and I invested some time in the pitching forums, I've picked up on the same terminology and see the same thing. A firm front side, weight shifting against the front leg/foot, and an unweighted rear foot.

FiveFrameSwing said:

Do you differentiate between weight-shift and weight-transfer?

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I've not really thought of these differentiating terms. Or I haven't read threads where it's been discussed or at least I didn't realize I was. Honestly curious to hear your take if you care to elaborate.

Transfer: move from one place to another.

Shift: move or cause to move from one place to another, especially over a small distance.

Shawn said:

Rdbass,

So any FBC during the stride and positioning the hips isn't weight shift in your book? (even if there is some shifting)?

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In your opinion, during FbC, is there weight moving from one place to another over a small distance.

Shift: move or cause to move from one place to another, especially over a small distance.

BadMonkeys said:

Since my DD started pitching and I invested some time in the pitching forums, I've picked up on the same terminology and see the same thing. A firm front side, weight shifting against the front leg/foot, and an unweighted rear foot.

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While there are obvious differences, there are some aspects of windmill pitching that are quite similar to hitting in my opinion.

rdbass said:

Do you......

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No. To me, the words 'transfer' and 'shift' mean virtually the same thing. They are synonyms. It would be confusing to hitters to use virtually the same word for something completely different. IMO it is be better to describe the movement desired.

So when you write of "transfer/shift" it makes perfect sense ... assuming that you are not differentiating.

FiveFrameSwing said:

No. To me, the words 'transfer' and 'shift' mean virtually the same thing. They are synonyms. It would be confusing to hitters to use virtually the same word for something completely different. IMO it is be better to describe the movement desired.

So when you write of "transfer/shift" it makes perfect sense ... assuming that you are not differentiating.

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I agree, completely. Using clear language is important.

OK - I think this conversation may be teetering on the edge of vehement agreement - but since clarity in language (and especially writing) is of personal importance to me - I'd like to ask the following regarding transfer vs. shift:

Preface - I believe "shift" is the more appropriate term to use when discussing / teaching hitting, both per my earlier definition, and FFS's addition of "over a small distance".

Question - As a coach/instructor, and applying this only to hitting, is there (or has there been) a situation where using the term "transfer" would be the better choice?

Originally posted by Shawn:

Guys, The reason I asked the question is that I'm seeing very little weight shift or shifting. There is some during the preparing to swing, but not that much really.

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Please elaborate - across all ages, or a specific age group? Is there still a noticeable lack of it in showcase / college-level hitters?