Load and Stride Separation
Load and Stride Separation
Once rhythm and timing have been established in the stance it is time to attack the pitch. The movement used to initiate this action is often called the load referring to a perceived move back to setup the controlled stride forward. It can also refer to rotating the hips inward slightly to set them up to lead to the hitting position to unload into the swing. If the timing is good the hips can remain loaded to foot strike otherwise they will begin to open earlier. At any rate it isn’t always necessary to go back as a standard move. Loading the hips can also occur on the stride with an inward rotation ( he shows you his back pocket you show him yours ) while the scaps are loaded through separation of the hands to a spot close to the rear shoulder. The body remains dynamically balanced and the shoulders level.
Thoughts related to these moves can include:
- Simple move from stance to position is slight inward hip rotation followed by hip lead stride to position with level, coiled shoulders while remaining dynamically balanced with the head slightly behind center.
- Knees should remain between the feet to control movements
- Separation of the hands to create the bat angle can begin just prior to the stride or following the initiation of the stride
- Good timing of the stride separation will have the stride completed prior to the bat angle being set to help promote sequence
- Stride foot touch can be against the inside ball of the foot with the heel close to the ground or with a flat foot
- The bat should be positioned close to the back shoulder and over the back foot helping to set up a short path
- The knob of the bat should be pointed towards the catcher’s feet causing the barrel to be angled overhead
- Bat placement can be accomplished by moving the hands back to mimic a catcher’s throw or as if elbowing someone behind you.
- The stride is more style than substance and can include varying forms of kicks, taps or just simple moves
- Timing of stride completion is more substance and should be completed with the foot on a 50 degree angle when the ball is approximately half way between release and contact
- Barrel awareness throughout stride is a must to allow for the formation of a short path
- Hitter’s should maintain established posture in the stance throughout the move to position
