I know a "hitting instructor" who claims to teach "linear" hitting and says it's Superior to "rotational." .
The thing is he can't define exactly what makes a swing linear or rotational.
Bumping this to the top. What do you see in HS softball? More linear swings or more rotational?
JMHO - I believe it depends on the hitter. Some kids have the tools to be power hitters and most incorporate a hybrid of linear and rotational. They attack the ball with linear movement (a small and controlled stride) then finish with a strong rotation of the core. Some kids are more contact hitters and a linear swing that keeps the barrel through the zone longer works really well for them.
I agree with some of the other posters that the topic is often confused and people like to tout one of the other to impress their students.
I'm way more interested in keeping weight back, hand path, footwork, head and finish. I've seen some really great hitters constantly barrel up balls with very little formal training. And, I've seen some average hitters spend thousands on hitting lessons.
Hit the ball "on time" and on the sweet spot of the barrel and things will work out.
Running into this issue again and just had to vent.
I personally think there are good hitters from both styles of hitting. They are unique to the batters and each kid has different strengths and weaknesses.
With that said, why are so many youth parents against "a baseball swing" (ie rotational)? I can't count the number of times I've heard educated people who have followed or played softball saying that it is wrong to teach softball players a baseball swing. If you watch college softball or happen to see the pros, the majority are now using the rotational swing. You can put many of the best college softball hitters and superimpose the top MLB players and their swings are almost identical.
There is NOTHING wrong with teaching rotational swings to softball players. We need to get past this complaining about people who have different swings than what was taught 30 years ago.
Just to be clear, both are solid styles for softball. My biggest beef is the number of people who criticize rotational swings. I don't think I've ever heard someone criticize a linear swing but hear way too many people who are quick to put down swings that are different from how they were taught.
End of rant.
I think the argument a lot of people make is that a rotational swing is too "big" or too slow for the game of fastpitch softball. I will say that in my experience it seems that a lot of girls with "baseball" type swings tend to strikeout more than girls with "softball" swings, but the girls with the rotational style also seem to hit the ball with more power. I for one am willing to take the trade-off if a girl can but the ball over the fence and drive it into the gaps for extra bases on a regular basis.
Wow, I really thought this debate died at least 5-10 years ago. I know it did at the highest levels of Travel, college, and professional softball.
Even experts like Sue Enquist of UCLA and Olympic coaching fame have admitted their error of trying to differentiate between a baseball swing and a softball swing a long time ago do to the new slow motion video capturing technology.
Most high level hitting coaches coach both boys and girls exactly the same way. It’s both rotational and linear with varying degrees depending on style. I haven’t heard anyone call it rotational or linear in a really long time because most people realized great hitting is attributed to both aspect.
If your looking for high level girls softball talk I suggest this forum
https://www.discussfastpitch.com/
Lots of college and professional coaches, instructors, and players getting into more details than you could imagine. Enjoy
Interestingly, I've searched "linear swing" on youtube and have come up almost empty with the exception of "rotational versus linear" swing.
My frustration was from a few people who were very critical calling it a baseball swing and thinking it was wholly inappropriate for a girl to be taught that swing.
I know I'm super late to this show, but I got here by 2 reason. Trying to learn about linear swing and the same as the person you replied to, just about all I can find is " linear vs rotational " videos.. But, if you're still even on here maybe you can elaborate your opinion on my issue.. I just like to hear others thoughts/opinions whether they're good or bad! So here goes..That’s crazy. If someone is telling your daughter that she has a baseball swing I guess I would take it as a compliment? I would also ask them to demonstrate the difference and the reason for an alternative swing for a similar sport.
Bottom line a good swing is a good swing be it baseball or softball, it’s still the same challenge.
I know I'm super late to this show, but I got here by 2 reason. Trying to learn about linear swing and the same as the person you replied to, just about all I can find is " linear vs rotational " videos.. But, if you're still even on here maybe you can elaborate your opinion on my issue.. I just like to hear others thoughts/opinions whether they're good or bad! So here goes..
My daughter is in 10 but wi
I didn't mean to post that yet, but anyway.. I finally talked myself into letting her do private lessons ( The 2 people that work with her, I've known my whole life and have a lot of faith/trust in them.. Not just a random trainer) But, they teach " linear " hitting. I've yet to watch a lesson or watch her hit when she's with them ( she has a bad habit of being self conscious know I'm watching her and some confidence issues ) so, I purposely don't stay back to watch until we both feel like me being there won't affect her focus and mentally.. But I've asked, mainly to explain the approach/mechanics/follow through so when we are at practice or I'm working with her I know what to look for and/or not counteracting their teaching.. But, I guess I said all of that to really just say this lol... One of their main " reasons " is softball swing and baseball swing isn't the same because of how the ball is pitched.. and " The Rise Ball " and going A-B is the way vs what people like to claim " A-B-C " they harp heavy on the Rise ball being the reason..I know I'm super late to this show, but I got here by 2 reason. Trying to learn about linear swing and the same as the person you replied to, just about all I can find is " linear vs rotational " videos.. But, if you're still even on here maybe you can elaborate your opinion on my issue.. I just like to hear others thoughts/opinions whether they're good or bad! So here goes..
My daughter is in 10 but with our team, we will be moving up to 12U. Not super relevant but, just throwing that out there. ( I'm also one of the coaches )