Launch position.

[Dmx1]

Why don't hitters start in their launch position and swing from there?

 

[efastball]

If you're talking about using your stance to pre-coil and set your hands, then, many do this, or partially do this. It probably depends on what you feel comfortable doing.

If you're talking about why do people stride:
It's because the straightening back leg rotates the back knee (the smaller radius the better), which assists or drives the rear hip down/around, which helps the back elbow (and therefore moves the bat head early) come down/around. Without a stride, this process would probably not generate the same force.

 

[FP26]

Why don't hitters start in their launch position and swing from there?

I have asked this identical question on two different forums, and still have not received an answer. @efastball provides a good explanation. But to simplify, I don't think it is just a case of being in the right "launch position". It's how you get there, and more importantly, when you get there. My goal is to create stretch within the system that is instantaneously used at launch. Timed with the ball.

 

[djcarter1966]

A lot of it is feel, sequence and rhythm but mostly practical try getting in a set position front foot out, heel down, completely coiled, hands back, completely ready to launch, now hold that position for 5-10 seconds if you don't start to feel it stretching a little and your hands don't shake you aren't doing it right, its not really meant to be a relaxed position that you can hold it is a momentary position you hold for literally a fraction of a second. Now if your want to position everything correctly and be relaxed as the ball comes your would have to engage all your muscles again in theory without moving because you are starting from the right position, its just not practical

Now the degree to which you start almost in that position can vary, many people start hands back in a coil and feet where they are going to stay and as the ball comes they lift their heel, coil just a little more, reach their hands back just a little more and have it timed so they are in launch at the right moment. Other stand completely relax and straight and then begin a large stride coil and reach back sequence.

 

[_MIA_]

This is just a guess but muscles don't behave like elastic bands. There is a time-dependent aspect to them with respect to how they fire and produce force...just a guess though.

 

[Rolling Hard]

I saw two girls (pgf 12u) set up at launch when they had 2 strikes and both successfully hit line drives up the middle for base hits. I ask about this before and FFS told me I was crazy. I think it might be a good idea. lot better than setting up bunt/ pull back with 2 strikes.

 

[Gags]

Do you consider launch position as something different than what a no-stride hitter would use?

 

[djcarter1966]

Do you consider launch position as something different than what a no-stride hitter would use?

Yes launch is the instant before the beginning of the back half (foot, leg and hips) as it initiates the swing. Lauren below basically just uses a heel drop; Josh uses a monster leg kick but at launch they look very similar, the third frame is what I consider launch position, from Laurens sequence look at frame two and three her front foot doesn't move she just lifts her heel and drops it but the positions are much different you can tell in frame to she kinda looks ready but you can just see the difference in the torque and load in frame three versus frame two.

 

[RichK]

There's very few if any things we do athletically from a static position.

That said, the challenge is two: 1) if no-striding, to not be TRULY static but to have under-the-hood athletic actions (ie, Pujols), a huge challenge for a young hitter and why I don't advocate no-striding, it's harder than it looks to really do it right, or 2) if striding, not using that movement and momentum as your engine but creating stretch and resistance BENEATH the movement that is the true driver of your launch and source of your power.

 

[clemenslee1]

There's very few if any things we do athletically from a static position.

That said, the challenge is two: 1) if no-striding, to not be TRULY static but to have under-the-hood athletic actions (ie, Pujols), a huge challenge for a young hitter and why I don't advocate no-striding, it's harder that it looks to really do it right, or 2) if striding, not using that movement and momentum as your engine but creating stretch and resistance BENEATH the movement that is the true driver of your launch and source of your power.

I agree 100%