The Multiple Functions of the Yardstick

1. Individualism
2. Incrementalism
3. Common Characteristics
4. Reproducibility

The yardstick serves to give strength and/or hitting coach rear-foot reference points and the hitter rear-foot reference points.

The machine accommodates all hitting coaches' swings, lengths, angles and philosophies. The reference points are an essential ingredient for reproducibility. The size of a hitter determines which swing characteristics are occurring for him at given reference points and, therefore, are reproducible for him. Every hitter has different arm-lengths, leg-lengths, and flexibility, all of which give rise to different reference points to achieve the common mechanical characteristics sought. When these mechanical characteristics are found, they become reproducible for that individual hitter at that specific reference point.

My preference is to begin the workout with lighter weights around position 1. This is a very awkward position. You cannot handle a lot of weight here. Here, we are training the finish or follow-through of the swing.

As they get to a weight they cannot handle, begin to walk them forward, gradually, toward the 6, 12, 18 and 24 position 6 inches at a time. Make at least 7 - 10 swings at every 6 inch interval. As you do, they can handle increasing weight. As their speed increases, increase the weight to slow down their swing and provide resistance. When they can't handle the weight, move them forward 6 inches again. Repeat.

Keep going forward, gradually, adding more weight which they can handle until you evolve to "Levatino Bat Speed Machine Power Position." This is the position from which a hitter can deliver his maximum power. It is characterized mechanically by the hips having delivered the hands, the arms extended in a "power V" with the arms almost lcoked and the bathead is trailing the hands with the wrists unbroken. Here, the hitter is prepared to explode the bathead through the springs (ball). See the photographs. This is the position where over 50% of the training swings should be taken from each day.

*When you have time, use all 5 blue positions (0, 6, 12, 18, 24).
*If you don't have enough time to devote to the full routine, use the red positions (0, 9, 18).

The following photographs exhibit the use of the 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 inch markings and their relative foot positions.

	Photo 1 - Position 0 inches located directly underneath the u joint. a. Also, foot position #1 for max out position #1.
	Photo 2 - Position 6 inches located 6 inches from the u joint. b. Also, foot position #2 for max out position #2.
	Photo 3 - Position 12 inches located 12 inches from the u joint. c. Also, foot position #3 for max out position #3.
	Photo 4 - Position 18 inches located 18 inches from the u joint. d. Also, foot position #4 for max out position #4.
	Photo 5 - Position 24 inches located 24 inches from the u joint. e. Also, foot position #5 for max out position #5.
	Photos 6, 7, and 8 The following three pictures show the proper alignment of feet and home plate relative to the machine to utilize machine for outside pitch location. Notice the tilted angle of home plate. The foot position and pole show a simulated pitch over the outside corner.