First Day on the Field( GD System Rant)

[RPatrino]

First, I don't know what "neck" vulnerabilities are supposed to be inherent with the GD. I have taken mask shots during the last 5 years while using the GD and they hurt just like they did 10 years ago. One of the first things we learn when first using the GD is the importance of "dropping" your seat. This brings the neck in alignment with the spine, reducing the stress and fatigue on your neck and shoulders.

Second, you don't need to worry about knowing where the outside corner is, because you will see the outside corner.

Third, looking down at the zone is a misnomer. You will see the bottom of the zone, and you are not looking down. While you are set up higher than possibly you have before, your perspective of the zone is relatively unchanged.

What does change when you use the GD is you will be much more consistant, relaxed, and effective. The positive effects of a rock solid lock-in and an unchanging head height cannot be fully explained or appreciated until you actually have used the system.

Bob P.

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by sm_bbcoach
2 questions re: GD system

1) IF I line up on the inside corner, then how do I know where the outside corner is? Will this come with time?

Lining up on the inside corner is part of many "stances" -- it's not a problem unique to the GD stance.

2) If I understand this part, I will be looking down and trough the strike zone. How will I know where the botom is?

Again, in all (well, most) stances, your eyes will be at / near the top of the zone. You'll always be looking down.

GD does a few things, some of which also can be done (to some degree) in other stances:

1) It's repeatable -- you can get in the same spot every time.

2) It's comfortable -- it reduces fatigue so you cna be consistent from the first inning to the last.

3) It moves you back from the catcher to get a better perspective of the zone. The pitch comes in at a "flatter" angle relative to the umpire -- you can see the whole pitch and the "reference points" (knees, sternum, plate) with better depth perception rather than having the pitch "flash" (relativley speaking) across the zone.