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Secrets of Speed and Quickness Training
A collection of articles
by Dr. Larry Van Such - Vol. 18 - Part 1
Part 1 of 4 - The Stance
THE BASEBALL SWING
The baseball swing consists of three main phases: 1) the loading phase, 2) the launching phase,
and 3) the follow through.
Each player, with their own unique style, may find themselves
making adjustments to their swing depending on the type of pitch, it’s location, the pitch count,
the number of outs, weather conditions and the position of the defense to name a few.
However, regardless of the batting style used and the adjustments made to it during game-time
situations, the muscles involved in the baseball swing always remains the same.
In this article we are going to identify all the major muscles used in each phase of a typical
swing for the right-hand batter. Once you learn which muscles are involved in the swing and
condition each of them for speed and power, your will become a more focused, confident and
productive hitter.
However, before any of these phases are executed and the muscles are
identified, getting into the proper stance is required. Therefore, let’s first identify the basic
stance position along with a few variations to it for the baseball player.
The Stance. The baseball swing begins with getting into the proper stance. Figures 1-7a, 1-7b,
1-7c and 1-7d show four different views of this.
Feet and hand position vary from player to
player more than anything else and in Figure 1-7a, the batter has chosen to stand with his feet a
little more than shoulder width apart. A firm grip of the bat is usually preferred and the height
of the hands, as well as the distance they are in front of the body, is based on preference.
Figures 1-7b and 1-7d shows the hands about 10 -12 inches in front of his body and right about
shoulder level. Some players may prefer to keep them in closer and perhaps lower or higher.
Figure 1-7a shows his weight is balanced and evenly distributed between his two feet and
Figure 1-7b shows the batter standing fairly tall in the box. Figure 1-7d shows that he is
leaning slightly forward with the knees and hips slightly flexed and Figure 1-7c shows him on
the balls of his feet. The shoulders and hips are level in the stance position for most players as
seen in Figure 1-7a, but this too, may vary slightly.
The stance is truly a matter of personal preference. As long as it fits your own individual style
and helps you to feel comfortable, relaxed, confident and alert in the box, you’re ready to swing the bat with speed and power.
Figure 1-7a.
Figure 1-7b.
Figure 1-7c.
Figure 1-7d.
Part 1 - The Stance
Part 2 - The Loading Phase
Part 3 - The Launch Phase
Part 4 - The Follow Through
Always glad to help!
Dr. Larry Van Such
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