Hitting and Hitters Discussion Rotational hitting

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Why does it seem so taboo in the softball world when a girl hits with rotational mechanics? I have been teaching this style and have seen great success, when I talk with other coaches they look at me like im crazy. WIthout getting into the technical aspects of hitting, why is this the mindset of most?

 

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What is your definition of rotational mechanics?

 

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Well Hitter, I knew you would want to get technical, lol. I guess my idea of rotational hitting would be to just watch a clip of Caitlin Benyi. I consider that rotational.

 

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Not to many people boy or girl hit with a purely rotational swing ( Pete Rose) most hit rotationaly with a linear movement.

 

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Like I said, without getting too technical, there is a big difference between throwing your hands at the ball and chopping at it and staying inside the ball and on plane.

 

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Like I said, without getting too technical, there is a big difference between throwing your hands at the ball and chopping at it and staying inside the ball and on plane.

What style do you consider throwing your hands at the ball and chopping? I think that would go along with squishing the bug! Don't know any high level hitting coach teaching that.

 

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Exactly, I am not talking about high level hitting coaches, walk around a tournament and listen to how many coaches you hear telliing thier players to throw thier hands at the ball.

 

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Caitlin Benyi is not a pure rotational hitter. A pure rotational swing does not involve a forward step nor a forward weight shift. A pure rotational swing is a no step, no weight shift, weight remains at the back hip and rotation occurs on the back leg. Any movement towards the pitcher is a linear movement, so you do not teach a pure rotational swing. If you teach Caitlin Benyi's swing, you teach a trans-rotational swing.

Len

 

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OK, for this discussion lets call it trans- rotational, Chris OLeary would call it rotational, lol. MY origanal question was why is this swing not taught more or is it it just my neck of the woods?

 

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OK, for this discussion lets call it trans- rotational, Chris OLeary would call it rotational, lol. MY origanal question was why is this swing not taught more or is it it just my neck of the woods?

Don't know anyone teaching this not to say some rec. coaches are still teaching it. Again high level coaches are not teaching this.

 

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Chris O'Leary is an expert?

Len

 

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DIdnt say he was, he sure has more credentials than I do,, lol.

 

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I'm sure what Chris O'Leary, (and others on the web that are self-proclaimed experts) spout off about rotational hitting are actually referring only to hand path. However, they're not exactly right either. There are three types of hand path: linear, rotational, and elliptical. The best hitters have an elliptical hand path. A linear hand path pushes the ball. A hitter stays on line with the ball longer but lacks power. A rotational hand path is a powerful hand path but the hitters "window of opportunity" is greatly reduced because this kind of hand path gets the bat head in and out of the hitting zone very quickly. An elliptical hand path is the best of both worlds. A hitter stays in the hitting zone longer and it is powerful.

Len

 

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BTW, Caitlin Benyi has an elliptical hand path.

Len

 

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Anyone teach, see de ball, hit de ball? lol

 

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I think we are splitting hairs, way off base from my origanal question . Im not so sure Chris OLeary is considered a self proclaimed expert, you dont work with major league ball players just by accident.

 

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Who does he work with? He is known as an "obsessive blogger and coach",a "prolific thinker", and a "suburban dad who has no professional background" in the linked articles on his website. He has a website full of some useful and interesting information. He sure does have a ton of time on his hands........

Len

 

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I don't know how you explain hitting without getting into the technical side of hitting, rotational mean different thing to different people. Also you state "most" coaches, that is a blanket statement that YOU need to describe are you talking rec. travel 8U or 16U?

 

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Anyone teach, see de ball, hit de ball? lol

Ask Chip about his ComPound hitting style. "Here it comes! Now POUND it!"......makes me laugh every time!

Len

 

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There is only 2 ways to teach girls, but most choose to teach number 2.

1. Is the right way that uses the entire body, good safe body mechanics and gives the best possible results. Bigger harder hits and more consistant hitting. Also this is true for throwing in which results that give farther faster and more accurate throws. These require more work and practice, a strong focus on mechanics and takes a much longer time to get the top best possible results. Plus some just can not get it, ie bad motor skills.

2. Is the way that is taught fast and quick with very good results in the fastest easiest time possible with very little effort. Why is this the number one choice, because most girls do not want to work and pracitice over and over to see slow improvements over an extended period of time,. They and the parents want the quick fix, the improvement right now. Other reason is because of how we have allowed things to evolve, with one year commitments. Coaches have the players for one year so it has become in theirs and the teams best interest for the quick fix to achieve good decient results..

I too have had to teach number 2 last year. The girl on my team was a very good outfielder her throwing mechanics improved alot, not great but a huge improvement. Her hitting on the other hand she just could not get. In the first 2 tournaments she had 14 stirkeouts no hits and 3 groundouts. She was pretty fast and I had her chokeup on the bat and do a quick half swing at the ball as to slap bunt as a right hand hitter. She struckout 6 times the rest of the year and her batting average eneded up at .385, take away the first 2 tournaments her batting average would of been .520.

So it was taught to her because it was the easiest, fastest, required the least amount of effort on her part, got her confidence up, and helped her team in the best possible way for that one year moment... Will it be good for her in the long run, no, but it was for just that one year.