Hitting Mechanics - The Myths

[Doug Romrell]

But this is no reason to tell a batter, "Keep your shoulders level" (as in through the swing), when the shoulder has, in fact, naturally dropped down from where it was, when contact is made.

 

[Doug Romrell]

Personally I wouldn't make that a direct goal so much as a 'result'.

I agree completely. But it can't be a result when the batter is told to "KEEP" the shoulders level.

 

[FiveFrameSwing]

I agree completely. But it can't be a result when the batter is told to "KEEP" the shoulders level.

Level shoulders is a death trap.

But Hyp's point is spot on ... there is a resistance ... otherwise the 'release' can't be felt.

 

[HYP]

I want the shoulders to have roughly the same angle the bat and forearm has at contact. And, I think it's natural. I see nothing wrong with the word "drop" in this regard, as the should does drop from it's original height as the swing is goes into the point of contact.

Something similar to this... (sure isn't level shoulders)
View attachment 5098

HYP,

Are you trying to make the claim that "Don't let your back shoulder drop." isn't really a myth. If so, I disagree. If not, then I guess you're just arguing that it's a bad word for you and some others.

Agree, the shoulder line should end up roughly with the same angle as the bat at contact. What I am saying is that "Maintain a tall back side", "Keep the rear shoulder up", "Don't drop the back shoulder" are good cues when used properly. They shouldn't be dismissed. I watch kids hit all day. From 5 year old to 65 year old. All of them have their back shoulder come down. It is a natural thing to do. I don't want to emphasis it. I want them to learn to resist it because the barrel is going to get released down to the ball and create the diagonal swing plane. The shoulders will get to where they need to to maintain dynamic balance throughout the swing. If I do not resist the dropping at the beginning the back side will collapse. IMHO

 

[Eric F]

I agree completely. But it can't be a result when the batter is told to "KEEP" the shoulders level.

Yes. The difference is in the rear shoulder GETTING lowered (a result of other actions) vs. DROPPING the rear shoulder (a conscious action). I think we all agree that keeping the shoulders level is not correct...unless you're hitting a pitch shoulder-high.

 

[redhotcoach]

I have completely changed my thoughts on "trying to stay above the ball", "swinging down to the ball", "swing level" in the last few months.

 

[HYP]

I have completely changed my thoughts on "trying to stay above the ball", "swinging down to the ball", "swing level" in the last few months.

Can you share?

 

[Eric F]

Can you share?

What he said ^

 

[Howe]

Howe Clever lying low in the weeds.... LOL

 

[redhotcoach]

I always had a "slightly up through" thought in my mind...and yes some good gifs I have do have hitters getting slightly below the ball, but just at about contact. (It was that Manny and Cutch I was looking at.). I really started looking and getting the feeling of "trying to stay above the ball." The barrels were taking a slight up angle, but really not until contact or after (for the most part.). That started my turning the barrel to the ball thought.