My previous post on timing the weight shift has spurred some comments on when exactly it happens. In one of the comments, Mike suggested he would like to see what a good hitter does when he/she doesn't swing. Is the weight shifted because the hitter committed, or is it part of the setup to hit.
I just happen to have a video shot by Coach Rich of Albert Pujols. It's not a standard 30 fps video (it was shot on a digital still camera) so I hope it plays ok. But you can clearly see here that Pujols shifts his weight onto his front foot , as part of the stride. without swinging several times. The hit doesn't come until the end. Also interesting is that it doesn't look like he has much intention of hitting the first pitch. Seems like he makes sort of a token effort, at least compared to what he does later.
Full clip of Pujols hitting
http://fastpitchlane.softballsuccess.com/2008/12/29/timing-the-weight-shift.aspx
More...
I just happen to have a video shot by Coach Rich of Albert Pujols. It's not a standard 30 fps video (it was shot on a digital still camera) so I hope it plays ok. But you can clearly see here that Pujols shifts his weight onto his front foot , as part of the stride. without swinging several times. The hit doesn't come until the end. Also interesting is that it doesn't look like he has much intention of hitting the first pitch. Seems like he makes sort of a token effort, at least compared to what he does later.
Full clip of Pujols hitting
http://fastpitchlane.softballsuccess.com/2008/12/29/timing-the-weight-shift.aspx
More...