Hip snap

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Mar 23, 2014
621
18
SoCal
Is the hip snap the natural result of a strong front side resistance OR something that needs to be taught?

Looking at Abbott and Ueno - they have a strong hip snap other pitches have some varying degree to none at all.
 
Dec 5, 2012
4,143
63
Mid West
NO TEACH!!!!
When the front side gets down as the ball reaches 12:00, the firming up process will turn the hips to match the angle of her front foot.... if the foot lands at an approx. 45 degree angle, the hips will naturally find that angle. This will greatly aid in the desired brush! However if her timing and drive mechanics are lacking, the landing of the front side is usually late and will result in a poor brush due to the hips being too open.
Have her focus on 2 things...
1st. Be sure her front side is down by 12:00 (explosive drive with a rear foot detaching off the rubber by 3:00)
2nd. Really firm up the front leg by "cracking the nut", and keeping the drag foot shoe laces facing down in the dirt... this will automatically turn her hips.
Call me if you have questions... James
 
Dec 5, 2012
4,143
63
Mid West
I would agree that between 11 and 9 is typical. However if 12 by toe touch is achieved, heel plant is at 11-10, then she'll be down in enough time to firm up and allow the kinetic chain to happen, thus automatically rotating the hips to an approx. 45 deg angle. This allows for a smoother adduction and brush
 
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
When you get a chance, can you share any examples of 12 o'clock toe touchers?

Here's a few that I've looked at:

Osterman
Touch: 10 (Flat foot)
Firm up: 9

Finch
Touch: 9:30 (Toe)
Firm up: 8

Ueno
Touch: 10:30 (Heel)
Firm up: 9:30

Scarborough
Touch: 11:30 (Toe)
Firm up: 10:30

Abbott
Touch: 10 (Heel)
Firm up: 9

Hawkins
Touch: 9:30 (Flat)
Firm up: 8:30

Pauly
Touch: 10:30 (Toe)
Firm up: 9:30
 
Apr 12, 2015
792
93
Hip snap itself is a no teach, but the things that cause a good hip snap are definitely teachable.
 
Mar 23, 2014
621
18
SoCal
The level of amazing contribution here is Too D&@# High!!!!
In a really great way.

I'm Doing some reading, re-reading, video watching and videoing. Thanks for all the references.

DD has really worked hard on getting a stronger front side - part growing in her body, part practice with a knee brace (my experiment), and part pitching on a baseball mound.
[MENTION=7797]coachjames[/MENTION] - I'll give you a buzz with questions. Thank you for the offer.
 

shaker1

Softball Junkie
Dec 4, 2014
894
18
On a bucket

Would you care to elaborate on your a thoughts? I'm sure it's a result, but I'm thinking there may be some teaching along the way. Especially the area of how to let the hips receive the firming up process. Some hit and allow the hips to rotate, some rotate before they hit. Some hit, and miss it all together, my dd:) Then again, it may be as simple as knee, shoelaces to the catcher
 
Last edited:
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
Both you and Coach James explained it well. Teach a good drive sequence where the body opens naturally, then pull in together with the limbs into release. Usually, the body firms up on it's own if all else is good. On occasion, a girl will need a cue if they open too much or not enough, or if they plant too closed or too open. In addition to the cues already mentioned to improve adduction, depending on the kid and issue, I might use:

-Squeeze the knees
-Knee to knee
-Toe to heel
-Drag the toe long and quick
-Up together/down together
-Use that glove as an adder
-Think about keeping the nose, shoulders, hips, knees and toes facing the target
-Think about planting with the shoulders, hips, knees and toes facing about 45 degrees

I don't insist on any one finish, as long as they get good posture, adduction and brush. Every kid is slightly different and may need a different feel/cue to improve.
 
Last edited:

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