Thread by @SteveEnglishbey

These 2 clips are very good [but pretty subtle] examples of what I refer to as the relatively subtle difference between "squatting" vs. "sitting". Let me try to explain this subtle difference. And it CAN POTENTIALLY effect the swing [unload].

https://twitter.com/HagemanParker/status/1420180698871312388

1] Note the basic initial set-up difference. On the left he is creating greater knee flexion/trunk tilt; on the right he starts with less knee flexion and less trunk tilt.

2] But from there as he starts to move [stride], on the left the first action is more knee flexion[subtle] --what I refer to as "squating"; as opposed to "pushing the hips back" via HIP FLEXION seen in the right clip.

3] How to best "see " this difference? Look at the hip movement [from leg lift to foot plant]. Comparatively the hips [right clip] move more AWAY from the plate. AND the head [right clip] moves more "over" the plate.

4]In other words [right clip] the SPINE angle tilt is more pronounced ,i.e., the tilt angle of the spine/trunk is greater and the HEAD is FURTHER from the knees [draw a line from the head to the ground to better see this].

5] Simply put, in the right clip the hips are "leading" ,i.e., the more proximal segment [the hips] --as opposed to the more distal knee flexion [left clip]---STARTS the movement as the lead foot starts to lift.

6]Based on both my understanding of biomechanics in the context of potential gravitational effects, AND thousands of hrs. doing specific exercises under load, this better leading of the hips MATTERS!

7]Why? Well, for numerous reasons. First off, in terms of creating optimal dynamic stability within a gravitational context, pushing the hips back and tilting the upper trunk more forwardly, best "distributes" the center mass [the trunk] against gravitational effects.

8]In effect, you are displacing part of the center mass "east" [hips away from the plate], which is "offset" ,so to speak , by the upper trunk going "west."

9] This kind of distribution [offset] does NOT happen as effectively when you squat [flex the knees/trunk tilt does not change].

10] Leading with the hips---wherein the tilt angle of the trunk changes ----sets up the potential for a better SWING PLANE, ie., how the shoulder line/lead arm/ barrel align at the start of the swing and into contact.

11] There are a number of ways to infer this in looking at both clips:1] Note how close the back arm elbow stays with the back side oblique in the second clip.

12] And 2]: Note [post contact] as to how well the back arms "follows" the rotational plane of the shoulder rotation in the right clip vs. the left clip.

13] Furthermore, the right clip is an ex. of what I refer to as very effective posterior chain loading via the "dead lift posture."[Vs. a more squatting kind of loading/posture].

14]Simply put [but in person I can explain/demonstrate this for at least an hour!], this dead lift-like posture is, all things considered, THE optimal postural/loading dynamic that can yield, optimal UNLOADING.

15]On my website over the yrs. I have countless ex. e.g., Bonds, Griffey, Aaron, Manny Ramirez, etc., et al.

16]But arguably my favorite is Bo Jackson: Here's one clip. Note the relatively straight legs and relatively pronounced trunk tilt as he starts to lift the lead leg:

englishbeyhitting.com/videoclips/bo_…

17]Here's a good short demo of the dead lift action and "pushing the hips back" to initiate the tilt angle of the spine/trunk [go to about 1:39] to really see this:

18]Again, based on everything I know, the dead lift-like loading vs. a more squat -like loading better facilitates better control of the center mass when striding, better facilitates hip/shoulder rotation, and better sets up a good swing plane.

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