SECTION1-7

Definition of Start-Up

In puncher-type mechanics, when a hitter decides to start the swing in his brain, APA occurs in his lower body and PMSP occurs in his upper body. As a result of the APA and PMSP, the weight transfer, stride, and separation occur automatically in his mechanics. In other words, APA and PMSP trigger off the whole process of puncher-type mechanics. Therefore, the moment at which APA and PMSP occur is regarded as the start-up moment of puncher-type mechanics. In other words, the moment when your brain sends a command to the body to accelerate the bat is the start-up moment.

Figure31: Start-up moment or start-up position

Figure32: Monochrome frame is start-up position.

In movie1-18, start-up moment is expressed with a monochrome frame with a sound effect. And figure33 shows various patterns of start-up position.

Figure33: Robinson Cano, Sean Rodriguez, Albert Pujols. (Monochrome frame means start-up position.)

By the way, phrases like "hit the ball hard" are often heard in today's baseball instructions. Actually, those phrases well match with puncher-type mechanics because it uses APA and PMSP.

Of course, you have to avoid stiffening your muscles and keep them relaxed, but if you try to swing with half of your power, APA and PMSP cannot work well. That's why you should hit balls hard.

Figure34: APA, PMSP, and consciousness (intention) are in a proportional relationship.

Having said that, it is one of the most difficult things in hitting skills to keep your body relaxed while swinging with your maximum power. If you can do it easily, you will be able to become a triple-crown hitter. That's one of the reasons why we have to work hard.