Hitting paradox: "slow feet" vs. "get your front foot down"

The phrases "slow feet" and "get your front foot down on time" are common pieces of hitting advice. They seem contradictory in nature but both are solid pieces of advice. You need to take a closer look at what each piece of advice is saying.

Let's see.

"Slow feet" refers to the concept of not moving your weight so quickly in the direction of the pitch. When we step to initiate the swing we need to step softly so we can keep our balance. So, technically, slow feet should be communicated as stay balanced as you stride. But slow feet is often used rather than stay balanced as you stride.

"Get your front foot down" refers to being in position to fire your hands. You can't swing the bat until your front foot lands completely. So, get your front foot down doesn't necessarily mean that you need to step and then swing. It means you need to be prepared to hit. This is especially a good piece of advice if the pitcher is throwing very hard.

The dynamics of the elite swing can be very complicated. Words used by coaches to express things to their players can be very confusing. It is essential that players and coaches clearly understand what is meant when coaches attempt to teach hitting. The side effects could be dangerous.