Expert: John Priest - 1/10/2008

Question
what starts the swing? hands? hips?

Answer
Tom,
   Thank You for the question.  Depending on which type of swing you have will determine if the hands or the hips start the swing.  The two types of swings are linear and rotational.  In a linear swing the hands start and control the swing with a forward movement of weight.  I don't recommend this type of swing to anyone because of the lack of potential power by not utilizing the legs and hips.  
   The swing I recommend and teach is the rotational swing.  In the rotational swing the hips start the swings and lead the hands to the baseball as long as you maintain a good position while the rotation happens.  Todays good hitters live David Ortiz, Miguel Cabrera, and Vlad Guerro have good rotational mechanics.  The swing initializes with a rotation sequence starting with the back foot, to the back hip, to the back shoulder.  During this rotation the axis of rotation is made by the back knee, hip, and shoulder. This axis remains vertical and has very little to no forward movement.  After the hips rotate the hand will rotate around the axis and through the contact zone.    
   By starting with the hips you will be able to generate fast primary bat speed which leads to faster secondary bat speed.  This swing will also give good balance and control of the baseball.  

Thank You,
John Priest
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