I have noticed that both Lynn and Brian have wide stances in their swing clips. Is the stance wider when hitting as opposed to swinging? Does this help the hip bump take up the slack to keep the right shoulder on plane while hitting?
The legs are the base for the machine. They are your pillars. Place them in a position that they can resist the amount of force you're going to send to the ball. I look like Yoda's twin in my address. My stance is wide, too.
Homer prescribed that the width of stance for all full shots should be shoulder width.
As we know, Stance Width is not classified as one of the 24 Stroke Components. Accordingly, it has no catalogued Variations. Instead, Stance Width is considered a Basic Element and not a mechanical factor that alters a Stroke Pattern (1-K).
As such, any personal preference is suitable, providing it does not disrupt the Basic Pattern. Stance Width pertains to the Feet, and the Feet are a Zone One (Pivot) Component. Thus, any Stance Width preference is fine as long as the Motion and Actions of the Pivot are not compromised. For example, if the Standard Pivot (10-12-A) is employed, then the Stance must not be so wide as to prevent the free Hip and Shoulder Turns (and Weight Shift in both directions) that define that Variation. Similarly, the Stance must not be so narrow as to produce instability, i.e., the failure to maintain the Balance necessary during the Hip and Shoulder Turns and the resulting Weight Shifts. But between these two extremes, the player's personal latitude is wide, and Homer would be the first to endorse it.
That said, Randy is right in that Homer did view the traditional advice to place your Feet Shoulder-width apart as useful. However, this view did not relate to the utiliity of Stance Width in relation to the overarching Pivot Function, nor was it a recommendation meant to stifle individual preference. Instead, Homer merely observed that a Shoulder-Width Stance simplifies the problem of consistent Ball Location. Here's why:
The Geometry of the Stroke demands that the Ball be located in relation to the Low Point of the Stroke. Given the Flat Left Wrist, this Low Point is always opposite the Left Shoulder. If your Left Foot is under your Left Shoulder, then you can Locate the Ball visually in relation to the Foot (and not to the Shoulder).
So, the Lesson here is that the Geometrical relationship of the Impact Point to the Low Point is mission-critical. If the Feet are Shoulder-Width apart, then the Ball can be Located in relation to the Left Foot. If they are not, then the visual Left Foot reference is lost, and the Ball must once again be Located in relation to the Left Shoulder.
With the Ball properly Located, any Stance Width preference is acceptable. The only constraint is that it not compromise the function of the selected Pivot Variation.
Concerning low point and the left shoulder... do you believe LOW POINT is located under the inside, the middle, or the outside of the left shoulder?
Good question, Lagster, and it was one we asked Homer in our Masters Class of January 1982. His reply:
"Just the Shoulder is fine. If you get that far past Impact, you'll have hit a good shot. So that's close enough. If you can get it any more exact...I'll buy the beer!"
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