Former Osaka Toin captain Minoru Hirohata explains the effect of the “kokeshi bat” that places the center of gravity at the grip end.
In order to make the head of the bat run, it is important to “replace” it with the grip. It takes time to learn detailed techniques, but it is possible to get a feel for it simply by changing the shape of the bat. Minoru Hirohata, former captain of Osaka Toin High School and representative of the baseball school “Amazing,” says, “The key is to take advantage of the weight of the grip end.”
Head speed is important in order to increase the flight distance of the ball and create a strong hit. The shortest way to swing is to keep your body open and hit the bat from the inside out, an “inside-out” swing. Hirohata also explains, “It’s important that the trajectory and impact of the bat be in a line rather than a dot.By hitting the bat from the inside out, you increase your chances and can get away with fouls even on difficult pitches.”
It is difficult to get children to understand the image of a bat coming out from within just by using gestures alone. It is especially important for elementary and junior high school students to be able to experience the actual swing. Therefore, Mr. Hirohata recommends a “kokeshi bat” with the center of gravity at the grip end, saying, “It’s also effective to practice with different bats.You can get a feel for it just by swinging it.”
In recent years, it has become popular in the major leagues, and is also called the “PUCK KNOB” because the grip end resembles an ice hockey puck. When you take out the bat, the weight of the grip end guides your hand operation, and at impact it becomes a fulcrum, allowing the head to run naturally.
“Humans are more stable in pulling movements than in pushing movements.If there is weight in the bottom hand (the hand that comes down when you grip the bat), you can pull it smoothly (during takebacks). I think it will be easier to operate and you will be able to experience how easy it is to swing.”
Mr. Hirohata, who sells baseball gear, has developed the PENTA5ON (85cm and 82cm), which has a center of gravity at the end of the grip, and has received so much attention that it sold out immediately when it went on sale in April of this year. In addition to practice swings and tee shots, it is also possible to actually hit the ball.“Baseball gear is available so that everyone can experience improving their skills.I want them to make good use of it and improve their skills as much as possible from when they were children.” Mr. Hirohata will do everything in his power to raise the level of baseball in Japan.
(Kengo Hashimoto)
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