The Objective: To develop a detailed understanding of hitting mechanics.

The Challenge: Even if you know the punch line, you still need to go through the steps to get there. There is clearly a sequence of actions that takes place in every swing, from the ground up, but there is some question as to whether every action must be or should be taught...

As an instructor or coach, you might want to understand all the nuances of a good, effective, powerful swing.

As a player you just want to get it done.

After all, the essential moment in every swing is the instant of contact between bat and ball. Everything after that is the outcome for both the player in follow through and the ball in flight. But the physics of that instant of momentum transfer determines everything that matters. So the focus of each swing - for both player and lesson provider is to help the body organize itself to deliver that energy transfer with as much efficiency and rebound velocity as possible.

That's what the swing is all about.
That's what this lesson series is all about.

We will sidetrack from time to time in demonstration and discussion, but we will always come back to that ultimate purpose - the best energy transfer.

1. Just because something is presented in a certain order, does not mean we're giving you the most important information first. We are presenting in the order that things usually happen - or the order in which people think they happen. As we go along, we will identify (and correct) some myths about swing mechanics - and we'll definitely discover together what that most important instant is all about and how to get there.
   
2. There is not always one right way, one best approach. We have talked for years about the dangers of the cookie-cutter approach, of trying to mould every hitter into the same swing mechanics. So expect some alternate ideas during the lessons (which we will identify) and accept that you have to make decisions.

As an instructor, therefore, you'll have to work out what's best for any specific player. Better yet, let the players figure out what feels right to them - give them help but don't get in their way.

As a player, therefore, you will ultimately own your swing and the success that comes from it. So always be willing to listen to suggestions, always be willing to try things, but don't let anything get in the way of your natural success with power contact. (Of course, if you're not having as much success as you like, you should be willing to listen and try something new, but make sure you know why your trying it.


The points above are merely a start to develop and refine better mechanics or, at least, a better understanding of mechanics. Our current instructional approach has been developed with insights from many sources (see sidebar). And it is still - and always - a work in progress.