Last week we discussed batting stance and today I want to emphasize the importance of keeping the front side of your body closed at contact. This is extremely important if you want to maximize your chances of hitting the ball hard with the barrel of the bat.
In baseball terminology the front side would be defined by the shoulder that is pointing at the pitcher. Treat this like you would the front door to your home. When you open it up the door moves all together as one object. The front side of your body works the same way. If any of the items listed below move in an independent manner, the whole front side opens up. An example would be when a right handed batter steps their front foot towards 3rd base instead of at the pitcher. The acronym we like to use is SHAKE.
SHAKE
Shoulder
Hip/Head
Ankle
Knee
Elbow
Check out the photo below of Hall of Famer George Brett crushing a ball back in 1977. Notice how the front side is closed with a stiff front leg and his head is at contact. This is a perfect example of what your front side should look like at contact.