Great stuff. Many thanks. But also many questions. (1) How does the scap load release (passive, controlled, etc.)? Is the scap release separate from the "hip/torso separation" release or is the scap fixed with the torso? Please suggest some drills for getting the timing of the scap release right. (2) Is the scap load back and down? Is there training or a drill to ensure the scap is not winging or retracting up? Thanks!
The scap load should be released when the hitter initiates his first move towards the pitch ( when the hands move forward). Hip/shoulder separation should occur separately from scap release. The scap load allows the hitter elastically load the front shoulder. I like doing kneeling swings to work on timing the scap release right and it takes the legs out of the equation and forces the hitter to use their upper body more efficiently. The scap should retract towards the spine during the hitter's load so loading back is not a bad cue. There are many training drills and exercises to work on scapular positioning and it comes down to each individual presentation. It can be worthwhile to work with a good s&c coach or physical therapist. However, typically, if the scap is loading too high the player could benefit from working on lower trap recruitment, so "Y"s are a good option. The serratus anterior muscle holds the scapula on the ribcage and prevents winging. Things like yoga-pushups and serratus wall slides can help with this. If the scap is truly winging then you would want to get with a medical provider as it may be a problem with the long thoracic nerve.
It's how you get your hands back that is important. You wan't pull the shoulder blade (of your top hand) back using the muscles in your upper back. This will get your front shoulder loaded. The further you get your hands back the better in my opinion because it gives you a longer time to accelerate forward. What a lot of coaches worry about is arm barring. This happens when you push the bat back with your bottom hand which is a no no. With all that said, we don't coach players to bring the bat back super far, we just want them to load the scap and then the bat will go where it is supposed to. Everyone is different, tight athletes the hands are closer in and more flexible/hypermobile athletes will get the bat back further.
Thank you for the explanation, my coach currently tells be to keep my hands and arms in during my load and not extend out during loading which is really messing up my swing.
Scap Load helps get the bat loaded into the correct power position with tension in the right muscles. When the bat is loaded properly the hitter is able to sequence the swing better as well as get more power from torso/lead arm separation.
@@ianhorne4117 thank you... I did that but in my mind it was to keep my hands in... now I'm working with my son. I told him to do it to keep his hands up... I'm trying to put the correct words and reasons to drills and technique. Yours is the first I've seen on the 'scalp'...Thanks again.
