~ Basic knowledge about the timing ~
The word "timing" in the automatic-step of puncher type has three factors below.
1) Timing-for-set-up
2) Pre-release-start
3) Adjustment-after-the-start
1) Timing-for-set-up
This word means chapter7's theme. Namely, this timing means that when beginning the rocking motion and when stop it. As mentioned in chapter7, this timing can be learned by watching TV or video films. And it will not much difficult for many hitters. In the first place, it is the advantage of puncher type that is almost not influence by motion of pitcher. Because automatic step doesn't have any preparation motion like load or stride such as any other hitting style. Therefore, automatic-step doesn't need to take the timing as same mean as other type's mechanics. For example, if you use the mechanics that lift the front leg clearly, you need to take the timing concerning when you lift your front leg. This is one of the factor that makes hitting difficult. On the other hand, automatic step doesn't need to take the timing like that.
2) Pre-release-start
This is the main theme of this chapter and one of the most important topics of automatic-step. The word "moments-of-start" means the moments of start the hitting mechanics and it can be identified by start of front leg elevation. In other words, moments of start of front leg elevation means the moments that the hitting mechanics start just at that moment. In addition, this moments also means the moments that consciousness of acceleration the bat occurs. (These are explained in chapter3.)
By the way, this moments, namely, moments-of-start is set before pitcher releases the ball. In other words, hitter decides to hit the ball before pre-release in his consciousness. Namely, hitter must try to hit the ball while he doesn't see the ball yet. Of course this fact overturns the fixed idea of hitting mechanics. And interestingly, hitter who use automatic-step doesn't perceive this fact. I confirmed it by hearing from players. Probably, it is like a conditioned reflex that formed by the habit. In other words, it is a kind of unconscious habit. So I am sure that automatic-step hitters(in MLB) think of their hitting mechanics as that "I decide to hit a ball after the release". But it is not true and this is the difficult problem of automatic-step. To be honest, pre-release-start is a weak point of automatic-step. And this characteristic is due to the time-constraint of base ball rule. Means that, if professional hitters try to hit the ball (that comes from 60.5 feet away and speed ranging to 90 mph) by using the 32~34oz bat, they must start their mechanics by pre-release-start otherwise they can not be in time for impact. And generally, down to more lower level baseball, pitch-speed and hitting-motion's-speed are getting together slower and slower. Therefore, pre-release-start is applied in most cases for automatic-step hitters except for slow-pitch softball. Next video clips show us the pre-release-start. Namely, these hitters start their front leg elevation at the pre-release.
Adrian Beltre, Alex Rios, Justin Morneau, Albert Pujols
In addition, two-step hitters also start their hitting mechanics from pre-release. Two-step is also classified as pre-release-start mechanics as same as automatic-step. In the first place, two-step has fundamentally the same mechanics as the automatic-step as mentioned in chapter4. Next video clips are swings of two-step hitters and these also show us the pre-release-start.
Prince Fielder, Michael Young, Mark Trumbo
Above hitter start their hitting mechanics from pre-release. And to prove it, their front foot beginning to move at the same time as beginning to accelerate of pitching arm. And as a result of my research, many automatic-step hitters start their hitting mechanics from above area. (Of course, there are many kind of lower body movement that is unrelated to the start of mechanics. Therefore, identification is not so easy.)
Be that as it may, above hitters start their hitting mechanics from pre-release. But probably, they don't have thinking so. Because it becomes an unconscious habit by accumulation of experience. Therefore, natural-automatic-step-hitter doesn't need to do the practice of pre-release-start. But hitter who try to learn the automatic-step by theory needs to do the practice of pre-release-start. Of corse, game or B.P with the real pitcher are the best way for learning the pre-release-start. But in addition to these, video film that is taken from backstop and pitching practice are available for practice of the pre-release-start. At any rate, you can adjust to pre-release-start as a first step by repeating these practice three or four days or a few weeks.
By the way, in the first place, what is the reason of pre-release-start? The answer is that automatic-step-hitters need to time for front leg's up and down motion between moments-of-start and start of swing. On the other hands, leg-lift-step hitters need to time for front leg's stepping down motion between moments-of-start and start of swing.
Namely, automatic-step-hitters need more time between starting-position and impact than leg-lift-step. As a result, automatic-step-hitters must start their mechanics earlier than leg-lift-step. And as a result, in the current baseball rule, automatic-step-hitters can't set their moments-of-start before the release as simple as that. On the other hand, leg-lift-step-hitters can set their moments-of-start after the release. Of course, it is advantage of leg-lift-step. And the phenomenon that "hitter starts his hitting mechanics after the release" can be said as "post-release-start". Post-release-start is only seen in leg-lift-step-hitters. Now, next video clips show us the post-release-start. They start their hitting mechanics in the area of after the release that is from immediately after release till half of 60.6feet.
Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Gozalez, Adam Jones, Alex Rodriguez
Jose Bautista, Joey Votto, Matt Holliday, Ryan Brown, Andrew McCutchen
Especially, Miguel Cabrera set his moments-of-start in the late timing. Although I say, it isn't closer to him than half of 60.6feet. However it may be one of the reason of his high batting average. On the other hand, pre-release-start-hitters like Albert Pujols or Michael Young have kept high batting average comparable to Miguel Cabrera. Namely, the timing of moments-of-start isn't the most important factor of high performance. It is just one of the many important factors of high performance. And as a result of my research, remarkably significant correlation due to difference of timing (that when hitters start his mechanics) can't be seen. Of course, timing of moments-of-start is better to be late. But there are many important factors for high performance besides timing.
Be that as it may, pre-release-start is important theme of automatic-step and it is a problem to overcome. And adjusting to pre-release-start and getting use to it by accumulation of experience is important to automatic-step-hitters especially who try to learn it by theory.
However, automatic-step has unique advantage, means that is almost immune to pitching motion differently from other hitting mechanics. Because pitching motion that after beginning the accelerate of pitching arm isn't affected by difference between slide-step and wind-up and set-position. Of course strange pitching motion can almost not have affect to automatic-step hitter's motion too. There are just little problems about overhand or sidearm and left-handed-pitcher or right-handed-pitcher. Above differences influence on sense of sight because orbit of arm-swing passes on the different area.
Be that as it may, automatic-step doesn't need to think about "when do I lift the front leg" and another matter like that. As mentioned above, the theme about timing suggests automatic-step-hitter some difficult problem, at the same time, however, it is advantage of automatic-step.
3) Adjustment-after-the-start
This theme also can be said that is one of the problem of automatic-step. Because this is the issue related to pre-release-start. Pre-release-start means that hitter must to start his mechanics while he doesn't know what kind of pitch will be thrown. As a result, hitter has no choice basically but to adjust to the fast ball.(Because if he wait breaking ball, he can't be in time for impact when fast ball is thrown) Therefore adjustment to the slow breaking ball is very important theme for automatic-step-hitters. In other words flexibility to breaking ball (while you start your mechanics to hit the fast ball) is one of the most important skills of auto-matic-step hitters. And of course, basically, it must be operated by reflex-reaction without prediction for the breaking ball. And this video clip (Ryan Theriot wins 12-pitch battle) well expresses to this theme, means that hitting by reflex-reaction. This die-hardness is brought from stability, simpleness and compactness and that is just the advantage of automatic-step. Of course, he might predict for variety of pitches. But still, he has need to use the much reflex-reaction because he start his mechanics by the pre-release-start.
Be that as it may, adjustment-after-the-start is very important theme for the automatic-step-hitters. And it mainly means adjustment to the breaking ball. Therefore, automatic-step-hitters need much to accumulate practice for adjustment to fast and slow ball. And this practice must be operated in the situation that is required to start as the pre-release-start.
~ The practical side of timing ~
1) Timing-for-set-sup
As mentioned above, this theme is not much required to hardship for automatic-step-hitters. But that is still important factor that has negligible influence on batting records. In fact, sluggers often have any device in this phase.
For example, Alex Rodriguez and Adrian Gonzalez put their bat on shoulder. This way has effect of keeping their arm's muscle relaxation. On the other hand, Some hitters, for example, Mark McGwire, Brett Harper keep their bat head down like golf-address untill pitcher starts the motion. This way also has effect of keeping their arm's muscle relaxation. In this way, sluggers who get the good result actually often take the any shrewd tactics in this phase.
So then, I suggested one of tactics that I think it is the bast way in the chapter7. That way means that is making the batting stance from starting-posture by rocking-motion.
Be that as it may, hitters should find their best routine for the set up. And it can be learned by trial and error in the B.P. For example, it is a good tactics that is making the some routines and taking one of it in the game by choice due to the feeling at that time. At any rate, these should be devised to keep muscle relaxation as a priority theme.
2) Pre-release-start
This theme influences the custom and quick reflexes. In addition, pre-release-start also influences the tactics in the batter's box. Namely, automatic-step-hitters must try to all pitches and stop their motion if ball(not strike) comes. And they must start their mechanics basically according to fast ball. Because if they start their mechanics after seeing the ball (post-release-start), they can't swing in time for impact. And if fast ball is thrown when they wait the curve ball, they can't swing in time for impact. Namely, automatic-step-hitters can't start after determined the strike or ball and fast ball or breaking ball. However even post-release-start-hitters also can't start after determined exactly the strike or ball. But post-release-start-hitters can cancel the start if wild pitch comes. On the other hand, pre-release-start-hitters must stop their mechanics after the start if wild pitch comes. Do you understand this difference between post-release-start and pre-release-start? This is important point that decides your tactics against pitchers. Namely the conclusion is next.
(wrong) Decide to start the hitting mechanics after check the ball or strike and variety of pitches. (Reason of wrong: Because you can't swing in time for impact by proper mechanics. As a result your swing will become using only arm muscle.
(right) Start the hitting mechanics against all pitches and if ball (not strike) comes, stop the motion in the middle of mechanics. (Supplement: Of course you must start your mechanics basically according to fast ball with the exception of the case that you wait the breaking ball as a gamble or special cases that can be predict the next pitch will be a breaking ball.)
At any rate, Finally pre-release-start is a problem of feeling, not of theory. So you need to accustom to pre-release-start by experience. And it must become an unconscious habit rather than unconscious motion. In fact, automatic-step-hitters doesn't perceive the fact that they start their mechanics as a pre-release-start. That is nothing else but an unconscious habit. Pre-release-start should becomes one kind of conditioned-reflex due to view from a batter's box by repeating the practice. In addition, pre-release-start shouldn't be done in conscious. Excess conscious brought the state that can best be said as "timing yips". So, now I show an useful word that is the "image". The word "image" unites multiple factors (theory, feeling, eyesight, etc.. ) into one words and it makes your mind clarify. Finally, batting is a sensory matter that is completed in a moment. Therefore, our brain should be kept simpleness.
3) Adjustment-after-the-start
This theme means mainly that is the adjustment to fast and slow ball. In addition,"to let a pitch go by" and check-swing are also a part of adjustment-ater-the-start. At any rate, these are most important themes for automatic-step-hitter. And in the case of automatic-step, content of adjustment-ater-the-start is different from the other hitting mechanics. Because automatic-step demand the pre-release-start. Therefore, in the case of automatic-step, the area that is required to be "adjusted" beginning from pre-release. Namely, automatic-step-hitters must start their mechanics while they don't know that what kind of pitch is thrown. It even might be thrown in the wrong direction. So to speak, automatic-step can be said as the technique that is required to reaction to the all pitches by reflexes. In other words, automatic-step is the technique that is required to plain skills as a result of pursuit of simpleness. That is just like plain kind of yogurt or bread that depend on quality of materials. Note that plain skills in this case means essential or fundamental skills that can't be cheated by superficial techniques. for example, it is reaction ability, swing speed, flexibility, hand eye coordination, powerfulness, etc...
Be that as it may, reaction ability is one of the most important theme for automatic-step-hitters. For them, hitting might be just like the quick-reaction-game that is played by pushing the button with only one finger. Means that is so simple. So then I introduce the following video clips which well expresses the skillful reaction in the adjustment-after-the-start.
Matt Kemp : He stops his motion just the slightly moments after ranging his front foot. This is one of the primary techniques for the adjustment to breaking ball by reflexion. And it is a evidence of that he starts his mechanics basically according to fast ball.
Prince Fielder : He shows the same reaction as Matt Kemp. And it is expressed more clearly than Matt Kemp's video clip. Slow motion in the end of this clip shows it clearly.
Albert Pujols1 Albert Pujols2 : He keeps his bat head back well although upper body sways forward. Losing a balance is not wrong matter. It is the same as function of building that dare to sway for reducing the impact of earth quake. Hitting a ball with sway forward express the flexibility rather than mistake. Sway and losing balance makes him easy to hit the breaking ball unexpectedly. Because if he try to keep his balance unnaturally, it makes his muscles hard by tension of muscles. Of course, it impairs the flexibility.
Justin Morneau : He has the patience to rotate of his body after ranging front foot and keeps his bat head back well. So then, in the contact point, he release the stored power at once and it leads the powerful wrist turn.
Prince Fielder
Michael Young
Ryan Theriot
~ Drills ~
1) Timing-for-set-up
Establish the own routine and confirm the effect of it in the B.P as a rehearsal of game is important for this theme. Beside the own plate appearance, the other players' plate appearance and even TV or video films can be used for the trial and error. B.P is not a place that of only for making your mechanics. And it is a good tactics that is making the some routines and taking one of it in the game by choice due to the feeling at that time.
2) Pre-release-start
You need to accustom to pre-release-start by repeating the practice. And it should become the state that can best be said as "unconscious habit". And it also means that becomes one kind of conditioned-reflex due to view from a batter's box by repeating the practice. Of course, other players' plate appearance and pitching practice and even TV or video films which are taken from backstop can be used for the practice.
a) Towel-ball-drill
B.P by using towel-ball that is thrown from point blank range is a good drill for adjust to the pre-release-start. Even though middle speed pitch, throwing from point blank range makes state that is required to pre-release-start by making temporal restriction for swing.
b) Net-swing-drill
This drill can be operated in too narrow space to hit a ball. And in this drill, batting practice and pitching practice can be operated as the same time. Therefore this drill is basically suitable for little league ~ high school.
First, set a net in front of batter's box not to touch the bat. Next, pitcher pitches the ball and batter swings to hit the ball in his image. This practice has effect of making the sense of view from batter's box and can make it more nearly the game than using video. This drill is can be said that is most effective drill in the sense that is for getting the practical sense expect the B.P.
c) Virtual-swing-drill
This drill is operated by using video films which are taken from backstop. This drill is for the accustoming to Pre-release-start. Therefore this drill can be said as that is suitable for beginner that means hitter who has just started learning the automatic-step. In addition, this drill is effective in the sense that can be done even in the room by using short bat. Therefore this drill is can be said as effective in the sense that you make your feeling of pre-release-start become likely unconscious habit by conditioned-reflex due to repeating practice.
d) Reaction-swing-drill
This drill does't relate directly to pre-release-start itself. This drill has a effect of improving the quickness of reaction. This drill needs a partner or video(that is taken yourself as a partner) for giving the sign for swing. The sign is given by the hand clap and hitter starts his mechanics according to hand clap as quickly as possible. That is just like a quick-reaction-game. And you will be able to improve your reflexes by this drill. In addition, From my experience of teaching, it is confirmed that swing in the reaction-swing-drill is nearly the swing at the game more than ordinary swing practice.
※) The hands must be clapped without back swing. Because back swing makes hitter easier to prediction for timing.
e) pre-and-post-drill
Distinct state of post-release-start can be express by throwing the towel ball from point blank range. And distinct state of post-release-start can be express by throwing from far distance. Experience of both extremes states will make you easy to understand the sense of pre-release-starts. Cognition the originality of pre-release-start is important for automatic-step-hitter as a first step.
3) Adjustment-after-the-start
This theme is required to the most tremendous effort for all level automatic-step-hitters. Because adjustment to fast and slow ball is one of the most important theme that influences to characteristics due to pre-release-start. Therefore drills for the adjustment to fast and slow ball is operated in the state that required to pre-release-start. Namely, adjustment to slow and fast ball by pre-release-start is essential factor of this theme. In addition, "to let a pitch go by" and check-swing are also important theme of adjustment-aeter-the-release.
a) Towel-or-rubberball-drill
This drill is operated under the state that is required to pre-release-state. And pitcher throw the rubber ball or towel ball from closer distance more than correct distance that is defined by baseball rule because towel ball can't be thrown so far. So in this drill, usual ball that is made from cowhide and cork and yarn shouldn't be used for the safety.
So then, it is important that the pitcher must hide his action for the choice of rubber ball or towel ball. And batter must not predict which ball will be thrown because this drill is operated for the effect of improvement the reflexes. By the way, this is also important thing that the towel ball must be made like following figure means that should be tied with left the flap. Because flap makes towel ball easy to go into a stall like the change up.
Progress of the towel-or-rubberball-drill
b) Stop-or-go-drill
This drill needs a partner or video(that is taken yourself as a partner). Partner stands in front of batter and pushes out a ball toward the batter with gradual acceleration(like below's video). And point of ball's stop means contact point. (Of course, it must be taken a few distance from batter not to be hit by bat) So then, batter swings the bat according to moments that a ball reaches at assumed contact point.
On the other hand, partner takes another action means that he makes change the orbit of ball at just before the assumed contact point. In this case, batter stops his motion means that means "to let a pitch go by" or check-swing. This drill will be effective especially beginners of automatic-step. Because they haven almost not experienced the "to let a pitch go by" and check-swing by automatic-step's mechanics. Of course, it goes without saying that batter must not predict the partner's action.
c) Virtual-game-drill (underline part is same as stop-or-go-drill)
This drill needs a partner or video(that is taken yourself as a partner). Partner stands in front of batter and pushes out a ball toward the batter with gradual acceleration(like below's video). And point of ball's stop means contact point. (Of course, it must be taken a few distance from batter not to be hit by bat) So then, batter swings the bat according to moments that a ball reaches at assumed contact point.
In this drill, partner expresses the variety of pitches and difference of location. And batter swings according to these various pitches without predict which ball will come. Of course swing practice with set the pitch location in advance(multiple-location-swing-drill) is popular hitting drill (in japan). But multiple-location-swing-drill can't express the same situation as a real batting, means that there is difference about timing for judgement the pitch location. Namely, in the real batting, batter judges the pitch location and decides the swing orbit in the late timing more than multiple-location-swing-drill.
As a result, the swing that is done in the multiple-location-swing-drill is not same as a real batting. On the other hand, virtual-game-drill can lead the almost same swing as a real batting. Probably, virtual-game-drill and real batting have a common factor that of using too much reflexes.
By the way, although partner expresses the variety of pitches and difference of location, he must not emphasize the orbit of pitch. Because he only express a part of pitch.
d) Random-drill
This drill means that batter tries to hit the various speed ball that comes from various distance. In this drill, various states will occur, namely either pre-release-start or post-release-start will occur case by case. Especially, distinct state of pre-release-start and distinct state of post-release-start are very effective for the understanding the uniqueness of pre-release-start that is hard to be recognized in usual practice. Just in case, distinct state of pre-release-start is brought by fast ball from closer distance and distinct state of post-release-start is brought by slow ball from far distance.
By the way, game sense, namely, sense of distance and time constraint might be broken in this drill. However, flexibility can't sprout without break the fixed form. Although readjustment will be necessary, random-drill is an effective for getting the flexibility. And then, flexibility, in other words adjustment to fast and slow ball is one of the most important theme for automatic-step-hitters. Because automatic-step-hitters are obliged to start their mechanics as the pre-release-start in the general level baseball.
Progress of the random-drill
e) In the B.P with pitching machine
(Certain situation of heater pitching machine B.P can't be applied the automatic-step)
B.P with pitching machine is very effective for fixing the hitting mechanics, but on the other hand, it demands careful consideration. Because pitching machine makes you difficult to do the pre-release-start. Especially, some kind of machine that launches the ball suddenly like a popcorn on the frying-pan doesn't permit us to do the pre-release-start. Therefore, if speed of pitching machine exceeds a certain level and it becomes to be required to pre-release-start, you will not be able to hit it with automatic-step. As a result, in the certain case that pretty fast ball burst out from popcorn machine, automatic-step-hitters can't hit the ball with their regular mechanics. So in this case, they don't have to stick to the automatic-step. If you meet with high-cheese-popcorn-machine, you may think about that as just the training of reflexes and vision which are needed for adjustment to high fast ball. Namely you may use leg-lift-step, when you try to hit against the popcorn machine. I rather think it is important that you should practice the swing drill with automatic-step for revising the mechanics after the popcorn.
By the way, pitching machine B.P has the other problem and it is due to advantage of pitching machine, namely, it is accuracy of control. It is too much control not to swing, namely, it makes hitter easy to forget the sense of "to let a pitch go by" and check-swing. So then, if you have a lot of chance for pitching machine B.P, you should sometimes set the untouchable zone and should keep the sense of "to let a pitch go by" and check-swing. Of corse, this is effective for all types hitting mechanics, but especially, it is effective for automatic-step-mechanics. Because automatic-step much demands to flexibility in the phase of adjustment-after-the-start. And it influences the strength(high reliability due to stability, compactness, simpleness) and weakness(pre-release-start). In the automatic-step mechanics, strength and weakness (which are rerated to adjustment to various pitch) are two sides of the same coin. Therefore, "which side becomes head" has significant impact on batting result.
~ Summary for the game ~
At the end of this chapter, I describe the more practical side, because of avoiding misunderstand. Thinking too much robs your flexibility on the batter's box. Especially, senses of sight and time should be used for the quick-reaction not the thinking. And excess conscious brought the state that can best be said as "timing yips".
So then, it is important that you need to make your "image" that includes all factors about timing. However there is the other problem that is risk of distraction, namely some unnecessary matters often makes your brain easy to get the confusion.
So what should you do in that case? The answer is that you should have 100% concentrate to your objective at the plate appearance, namely, that is contact and hard hitting. As a result, unnecessary conscious will vanish from your brain because your brain loses a margin by 100% concentration to contact and hard hit.
The word "timing" in the automatic-step of puncher type has three factors below.
1) Timing-for-set-up
2) Pre-release-start
3) Adjustment-after-the-start
1) Timing-for-set-up
This word means chapter7's theme. Namely, this timing means that when beginning the rocking motion and when stop it. As mentioned in chapter7, this timing can be learned by watching TV or video films. And it will not much difficult for many hitters. In the first place, it is the advantage of puncher type that is almost not influence by motion of pitcher. Because automatic step doesn't have any preparation motion like load or stride such as any other hitting style. Therefore, automatic-step doesn't need to take the timing as same mean as other type's mechanics. For example, if you use the mechanics that lift the front leg clearly, you need to take the timing concerning when you lift your front leg. This is one of the factor that makes hitting difficult. On the other hand, automatic step doesn't need to take the timing like that.
2) Pre-release-start
This is the main theme of this chapter and one of the most important topics of automatic-step. The word "moments-of-start" means the moments of start the hitting mechanics and it can be identified by start of front leg elevation. In other words, moments of start of front leg elevation means the moments that the hitting mechanics start just at that moment. In addition, this moments also means the moments that consciousness of acceleration the bat occurs. (These are explained in chapter3.)
By the way, this moments, namely, moments-of-start is set before pitcher releases the ball. In other words, hitter decides to hit the ball before pre-release in his consciousness. Namely, hitter must try to hit the ball while he doesn't see the ball yet. Of course this fact overturns the fixed idea of hitting mechanics. And interestingly, hitter who use automatic-step doesn't perceive this fact. I confirmed it by hearing from players. Probably, it is like a conditioned reflex that formed by the habit. In other words, it is a kind of unconscious habit. So I am sure that automatic-step hitters(in MLB) think of their hitting mechanics as that "I decide to hit a ball after the release". But it is not true and this is the difficult problem of automatic-step. To be honest, pre-release-start is a weak point of automatic-step. And this characteristic is due to the time-constraint of base ball rule. Means that, if professional hitters try to hit the ball (that comes from 60.5 feet away and speed ranging to 90 mph) by using the 32~34oz bat, they must start their mechanics by pre-release-start otherwise they can not be in time for impact. And generally, down to more lower level baseball, pitch-speed and hitting-motion's-speed are getting together slower and slower. Therefore, pre-release-start is applied in most cases for automatic-step hitters except for slow-pitch softball. Next video clips show us the pre-release-start. Namely, these hitters start their front leg elevation at the pre-release.
Adrian Beltre, Alex Rios, Justin Morneau, Albert Pujols
In addition, two-step hitters also start their hitting mechanics from pre-release. Two-step is also classified as pre-release-start mechanics as same as automatic-step. In the first place, two-step has fundamentally the same mechanics as the automatic-step as mentioned in chapter4. Next video clips are swings of two-step hitters and these also show us the pre-release-start.
Prince Fielder, Michael Young, Mark Trumbo
Above hitter start their hitting mechanics from pre-release. And to prove it, their front foot beginning to move at the same time as beginning to accelerate of pitching arm. And as a result of my research, many automatic-step hitters start their hitting mechanics from above area. (Of course, there are many kind of lower body movement that is unrelated to the start of mechanics. Therefore, identification is not so easy.)
Be that as it may, above hitters start their hitting mechanics from pre-release. But probably, they don't have thinking so. Because it becomes an unconscious habit by accumulation of experience. Therefore, natural-automatic-step-hitter doesn't need to do the practice of pre-release-start. But hitter who try to learn the automatic-step by theory needs to do the practice of pre-release-start. Of corse, game or B.P with the real pitcher are the best way for learning the pre-release-start. But in addition to these, video film that is taken from backstop and pitching practice are available for practice of the pre-release-start. At any rate, you can adjust to pre-release-start as a first step by repeating these practice three or four days or a few weeks.
By the way, in the first place, what is the reason of pre-release-start? The answer is that automatic-step-hitters need to time for front leg's up and down motion between moments-of-start and start of swing. On the other hands, leg-lift-step hitters need to time for front leg's stepping down motion between moments-of-start and start of swing.
Namely, automatic-step-hitters need more time between starting-position and impact than leg-lift-step. As a result, automatic-step-hitters must start their mechanics earlier than leg-lift-step. And as a result, in the current baseball rule, automatic-step-hitters can't set their moments-of-start before the release as simple as that. On the other hand, leg-lift-step-hitters can set their moments-of-start after the release. Of course, it is advantage of leg-lift-step. And the phenomenon that "hitter starts his hitting mechanics after the release" can be said as "post-release-start". Post-release-start is only seen in leg-lift-step-hitters. Now, next video clips show us the post-release-start. They start their hitting mechanics in the area of after the release that is from immediately after release till half of 60.6feet.
Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Gozalez, Adam Jones, Alex Rodriguez
Jose Bautista, Joey Votto, Matt Holliday, Ryan Brown, Andrew McCutchen
Especially, Miguel Cabrera set his moments-of-start in the late timing. Although I say, it isn't closer to him than half of 60.6feet. However it may be one of the reason of his high batting average. On the other hand, pre-release-start-hitters like Albert Pujols or Michael Young have kept high batting average comparable to Miguel Cabrera. Namely, the timing of moments-of-start isn't the most important factor of high performance. It is just one of the many important factors of high performance. And as a result of my research, remarkably significant correlation due to difference of timing (that when hitters start his mechanics) can't be seen. Of course, timing of moments-of-start is better to be late. But there are many important factors for high performance besides timing.
Be that as it may, pre-release-start is important theme of automatic-step and it is a problem to overcome. And adjusting to pre-release-start and getting use to it by accumulation of experience is important to automatic-step-hitters especially who try to learn it by theory.
However, automatic-step has unique advantage, means that is almost immune to pitching motion differently from other hitting mechanics. Because pitching motion that after beginning the accelerate of pitching arm isn't affected by difference between slide-step and wind-up and set-position. Of course strange pitching motion can almost not have affect to automatic-step hitter's motion too. There are just little problems about overhand or sidearm and left-handed-pitcher or right-handed-pitcher. Above differences influence on sense of sight because orbit of arm-swing passes on the different area.
Be that as it may, automatic-step doesn't need to think about "when do I lift the front leg" and another matter like that. As mentioned above, the theme about timing suggests automatic-step-hitter some difficult problem, at the same time, however, it is advantage of automatic-step.
3) Adjustment-after-the-start
This theme also can be said that is one of the problem of automatic-step. Because this is the issue related to pre-release-start. Pre-release-start means that hitter must to start his mechanics while he doesn't know what kind of pitch will be thrown. As a result, hitter has no choice basically but to adjust to the fast ball.(Because if he wait breaking ball, he can't be in time for impact when fast ball is thrown) Therefore adjustment to the slow breaking ball is very important theme for automatic-step-hitters. In other words flexibility to breaking ball (while you start your mechanics to hit the fast ball) is one of the most important skills of auto-matic-step hitters. And of course, basically, it must be operated by reflex-reaction without prediction for the breaking ball. And this video clip (Ryan Theriot wins 12-pitch battle) well expresses to this theme, means that hitting by reflex-reaction. This die-hardness is brought from stability, simpleness and compactness and that is just the advantage of automatic-step. Of course, he might predict for variety of pitches. But still, he has need to use the much reflex-reaction because he start his mechanics by the pre-release-start.
Be that as it may, adjustment-after-the-start is very important theme for the automatic-step-hitters. And it mainly means adjustment to the breaking ball. Therefore, automatic-step-hitters need much to accumulate practice for adjustment to fast and slow ball. And this practice must be operated in the situation that is required to start as the pre-release-start.
~ The practical side of timing ~
1) Timing-for-set-sup
As mentioned above, this theme is not much required to hardship for automatic-step-hitters. But that is still important factor that has negligible influence on batting records. In fact, sluggers often have any device in this phase.
For example, Alex Rodriguez and Adrian Gonzalez put their bat on shoulder. This way has effect of keeping their arm's muscle relaxation. On the other hand, Some hitters, for example, Mark McGwire, Brett Harper keep their bat head down like golf-address untill pitcher starts the motion. This way also has effect of keeping their arm's muscle relaxation. In this way, sluggers who get the good result actually often take the any shrewd tactics in this phase.
So then, I suggested one of tactics that I think it is the bast way in the chapter7. That way means that is making the batting stance from starting-posture by rocking-motion.
Be that as it may, hitters should find their best routine for the set up. And it can be learned by trial and error in the B.P. For example, it is a good tactics that is making the some routines and taking one of it in the game by choice due to the feeling at that time. At any rate, these should be devised to keep muscle relaxation as a priority theme.
2) Pre-release-start
This theme influences the custom and quick reflexes. In addition, pre-release-start also influences the tactics in the batter's box. Namely, automatic-step-hitters must try to all pitches and stop their motion if ball(not strike) comes. And they must start their mechanics basically according to fast ball. Because if they start their mechanics after seeing the ball (post-release-start), they can't swing in time for impact. And if fast ball is thrown when they wait the curve ball, they can't swing in time for impact. Namely, automatic-step-hitters can't start after determined the strike or ball and fast ball or breaking ball. However even post-release-start-hitters also can't start after determined exactly the strike or ball. But post-release-start-hitters can cancel the start if wild pitch comes. On the other hand, pre-release-start-hitters must stop their mechanics after the start if wild pitch comes. Do you understand this difference between post-release-start and pre-release-start? This is important point that decides your tactics against pitchers. Namely the conclusion is next.
(wrong) Decide to start the hitting mechanics after check the ball or strike and variety of pitches. (Reason of wrong: Because you can't swing in time for impact by proper mechanics. As a result your swing will become using only arm muscle.
(right) Start the hitting mechanics against all pitches and if ball (not strike) comes, stop the motion in the middle of mechanics. (Supplement: Of course you must start your mechanics basically according to fast ball with the exception of the case that you wait the breaking ball as a gamble or special cases that can be predict the next pitch will be a breaking ball.)
At any rate, Finally pre-release-start is a problem of feeling, not of theory. So you need to accustom to pre-release-start by experience. And it must become an unconscious habit rather than unconscious motion. In fact, automatic-step-hitters doesn't perceive the fact that they start their mechanics as a pre-release-start. That is nothing else but an unconscious habit. Pre-release-start should becomes one kind of conditioned-reflex due to view from a batter's box by repeating the practice. In addition, pre-release-start shouldn't be done in conscious. Excess conscious brought the state that can best be said as "timing yips". So, now I show an useful word that is the "image". The word "image" unites multiple factors (theory, feeling, eyesight, etc.. ) into one words and it makes your mind clarify. Finally, batting is a sensory matter that is completed in a moment. Therefore, our brain should be kept simpleness.
3) Adjustment-after-the-start
This theme means mainly that is the adjustment to fast and slow ball. In addition,"to let a pitch go by" and check-swing are also a part of adjustment-ater-the-start. At any rate, these are most important themes for automatic-step-hitter. And in the case of automatic-step, content of adjustment-ater-the-start is different from the other hitting mechanics. Because automatic-step demand the pre-release-start. Therefore, in the case of automatic-step, the area that is required to be "adjusted" beginning from pre-release. Namely, automatic-step-hitters must start their mechanics while they don't know that what kind of pitch is thrown. It even might be thrown in the wrong direction. So to speak, automatic-step can be said as the technique that is required to reaction to the all pitches by reflexes. In other words, automatic-step is the technique that is required to plain skills as a result of pursuit of simpleness. That is just like plain kind of yogurt or bread that depend on quality of materials. Note that plain skills in this case means essential or fundamental skills that can't be cheated by superficial techniques. for example, it is reaction ability, swing speed, flexibility, hand eye coordination, powerfulness, etc...
Be that as it may, reaction ability is one of the most important theme for automatic-step-hitters. For them, hitting might be just like the quick-reaction-game that is played by pushing the button with only one finger. Means that is so simple. So then I introduce the following video clips which well expresses the skillful reaction in the adjustment-after-the-start.
Matt Kemp : He stops his motion just the slightly moments after ranging his front foot. This is one of the primary techniques for the adjustment to breaking ball by reflexion. And it is a evidence of that he starts his mechanics basically according to fast ball.
Prince Fielder : He shows the same reaction as Matt Kemp. And it is expressed more clearly than Matt Kemp's video clip. Slow motion in the end of this clip shows it clearly.
Albert Pujols1 Albert Pujols2 : He keeps his bat head back well although upper body sways forward. Losing a balance is not wrong matter. It is the same as function of building that dare to sway for reducing the impact of earth quake. Hitting a ball with sway forward express the flexibility rather than mistake. Sway and losing balance makes him easy to hit the breaking ball unexpectedly. Because if he try to keep his balance unnaturally, it makes his muscles hard by tension of muscles. Of course, it impairs the flexibility.
Justin Morneau : He has the patience to rotate of his body after ranging front foot and keeps his bat head back well. So then, in the contact point, he release the stored power at once and it leads the powerful wrist turn.
Prince Fielder
Michael Young
Ryan Theriot
~ Drills ~
1) Timing-for-set-up
Establish the own routine and confirm the effect of it in the B.P as a rehearsal of game is important for this theme. Beside the own plate appearance, the other players' plate appearance and even TV or video films can be used for the trial and error. B.P is not a place that of only for making your mechanics. And it is a good tactics that is making the some routines and taking one of it in the game by choice due to the feeling at that time.
2) Pre-release-start
You need to accustom to pre-release-start by repeating the practice. And it should become the state that can best be said as "unconscious habit". And it also means that becomes one kind of conditioned-reflex due to view from a batter's box by repeating the practice. Of course, other players' plate appearance and pitching practice and even TV or video films which are taken from backstop can be used for the practice.
a) Towel-ball-drill
B.P by using towel-ball that is thrown from point blank range is a good drill for adjust to the pre-release-start. Even though middle speed pitch, throwing from point blank range makes state that is required to pre-release-start by making temporal restriction for swing.
b) Net-swing-drill
This drill can be operated in too narrow space to hit a ball. And in this drill, batting practice and pitching practice can be operated as the same time. Therefore this drill is basically suitable for little league ~ high school.
First, set a net in front of batter's box not to touch the bat. Next, pitcher pitches the ball and batter swings to hit the ball in his image. This practice has effect of making the sense of view from batter's box and can make it more nearly the game than using video. This drill is can be said that is most effective drill in the sense that is for getting the practical sense expect the B.P.
c) Virtual-swing-drill
This drill is operated by using video films which are taken from backstop. This drill is for the accustoming to Pre-release-start. Therefore this drill can be said as that is suitable for beginner that means hitter who has just started learning the automatic-step. In addition, this drill is effective in the sense that can be done even in the room by using short bat. Therefore this drill is can be said as effective in the sense that you make your feeling of pre-release-start become likely unconscious habit by conditioned-reflex due to repeating practice.
d) Reaction-swing-drill
This drill does't relate directly to pre-release-start itself. This drill has a effect of improving the quickness of reaction. This drill needs a partner or video(that is taken yourself as a partner) for giving the sign for swing. The sign is given by the hand clap and hitter starts his mechanics according to hand clap as quickly as possible. That is just like a quick-reaction-game. And you will be able to improve your reflexes by this drill. In addition, From my experience of teaching, it is confirmed that swing in the reaction-swing-drill is nearly the swing at the game more than ordinary swing practice.
※) The hands must be clapped without back swing. Because back swing makes hitter easier to prediction for timing.
e) pre-and-post-drill
Distinct state of post-release-start can be express by throwing the towel ball from point blank range. And distinct state of post-release-start can be express by throwing from far distance. Experience of both extremes states will make you easy to understand the sense of pre-release-starts. Cognition the originality of pre-release-start is important for automatic-step-hitter as a first step.
3) Adjustment-after-the-start
This theme is required to the most tremendous effort for all level automatic-step-hitters. Because adjustment to fast and slow ball is one of the most important theme that influences to characteristics due to pre-release-start. Therefore drills for the adjustment to fast and slow ball is operated in the state that required to pre-release-start. Namely, adjustment to slow and fast ball by pre-release-start is essential factor of this theme. In addition, "to let a pitch go by" and check-swing are also important theme of adjustment-aeter-the-release.
a) Towel-or-rubberball-drill
This drill is operated under the state that is required to pre-release-state. And pitcher throw the rubber ball or towel ball from closer distance more than correct distance that is defined by baseball rule because towel ball can't be thrown so far. So in this drill, usual ball that is made from cowhide and cork and yarn shouldn't be used for the safety.
So then, it is important that the pitcher must hide his action for the choice of rubber ball or towel ball. And batter must not predict which ball will be thrown because this drill is operated for the effect of improvement the reflexes. By the way, this is also important thing that the towel ball must be made like following figure means that should be tied with left the flap. Because flap makes towel ball easy to go into a stall like the change up.
Progress of the towel-or-rubberball-drill
b) Stop-or-go-drill
This drill needs a partner or video(that is taken yourself as a partner). Partner stands in front of batter and pushes out a ball toward the batter with gradual acceleration(like below's video). And point of ball's stop means contact point. (Of course, it must be taken a few distance from batter not to be hit by bat) So then, batter swings the bat according to moments that a ball reaches at assumed contact point.
On the other hand, partner takes another action means that he makes change the orbit of ball at just before the assumed contact point. In this case, batter stops his motion means that means "to let a pitch go by" or check-swing. This drill will be effective especially beginners of automatic-step. Because they haven almost not experienced the "to let a pitch go by" and check-swing by automatic-step's mechanics. Of course, it goes without saying that batter must not predict the partner's action.
c) Virtual-game-drill (underline part is same as stop-or-go-drill)
This drill needs a partner or video(that is taken yourself as a partner). Partner stands in front of batter and pushes out a ball toward the batter with gradual acceleration(like below's video). And point of ball's stop means contact point. (Of course, it must be taken a few distance from batter not to be hit by bat) So then, batter swings the bat according to moments that a ball reaches at assumed contact point.
In this drill, partner expresses the variety of pitches and difference of location. And batter swings according to these various pitches without predict which ball will come. Of course swing practice with set the pitch location in advance(multiple-location-swing-drill) is popular hitting drill (in japan). But multiple-location-swing-drill can't express the same situation as a real batting, means that there is difference about timing for judgement the pitch location. Namely, in the real batting, batter judges the pitch location and decides the swing orbit in the late timing more than multiple-location-swing-drill.
As a result, the swing that is done in the multiple-location-swing-drill is not same as a real batting. On the other hand, virtual-game-drill can lead the almost same swing as a real batting. Probably, virtual-game-drill and real batting have a common factor that of using too much reflexes.
By the way, although partner expresses the variety of pitches and difference of location, he must not emphasize the orbit of pitch. Because he only express a part of pitch.
d) Random-drill
This drill means that batter tries to hit the various speed ball that comes from various distance. In this drill, various states will occur, namely either pre-release-start or post-release-start will occur case by case. Especially, distinct state of pre-release-start and distinct state of post-release-start are very effective for the understanding the uniqueness of pre-release-start that is hard to be recognized in usual practice. Just in case, distinct state of pre-release-start is brought by fast ball from closer distance and distinct state of post-release-start is brought by slow ball from far distance.
By the way, game sense, namely, sense of distance and time constraint might be broken in this drill. However, flexibility can't sprout without break the fixed form. Although readjustment will be necessary, random-drill is an effective for getting the flexibility. And then, flexibility, in other words adjustment to fast and slow ball is one of the most important theme for automatic-step-hitters. Because automatic-step-hitters are obliged to start their mechanics as the pre-release-start in the general level baseball.
Progress of the random-drill
e) In the B.P with pitching machine
(Certain situation of heater pitching machine B.P can't be applied the automatic-step)
B.P with pitching machine is very effective for fixing the hitting mechanics, but on the other hand, it demands careful consideration. Because pitching machine makes you difficult to do the pre-release-start. Especially, some kind of machine that launches the ball suddenly like a popcorn on the frying-pan doesn't permit us to do the pre-release-start. Therefore, if speed of pitching machine exceeds a certain level and it becomes to be required to pre-release-start, you will not be able to hit it with automatic-step. As a result, in the certain case that pretty fast ball burst out from popcorn machine, automatic-step-hitters can't hit the ball with their regular mechanics. So in this case, they don't have to stick to the automatic-step. If you meet with high-cheese-popcorn-machine, you may think about that as just the training of reflexes and vision which are needed for adjustment to high fast ball. Namely you may use leg-lift-step, when you try to hit against the popcorn machine. I rather think it is important that you should practice the swing drill with automatic-step for revising the mechanics after the popcorn.
By the way, pitching machine B.P has the other problem and it is due to advantage of pitching machine, namely, it is accuracy of control. It is too much control not to swing, namely, it makes hitter easy to forget the sense of "to let a pitch go by" and check-swing. So then, if you have a lot of chance for pitching machine B.P, you should sometimes set the untouchable zone and should keep the sense of "to let a pitch go by" and check-swing. Of corse, this is effective for all types hitting mechanics, but especially, it is effective for automatic-step-mechanics. Because automatic-step much demands to flexibility in the phase of adjustment-after-the-start. And it influences the strength(high reliability due to stability, compactness, simpleness) and weakness(pre-release-start). In the automatic-step mechanics, strength and weakness (which are rerated to adjustment to various pitch) are two sides of the same coin. Therefore, "which side becomes head" has significant impact on batting result.
~ Summary for the game ~
At the end of this chapter, I describe the more practical side, because of avoiding misunderstand. Thinking too much robs your flexibility on the batter's box. Especially, senses of sight and time should be used for the quick-reaction not the thinking. And excess conscious brought the state that can best be said as "timing yips".
So then, it is important that you need to make your "image" that includes all factors about timing. However there is the other problem that is risk of distraction, namely some unnecessary matters often makes your brain easy to get the confusion.
So what should you do in that case? The answer is that you should have 100% concentrate to your objective at the plate appearance, namely, that is contact and hard hitting. As a result, unnecessary conscious will vanish from your brain because your brain loses a margin by 100% concentration to contact and hard hit.
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