Can anyone explain the theory behind the superwide stance?

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Save the back and knees. Steve M should be here any minute with a better explanation.

Well, here I am. I use a very wide stance, but I would not say I'm using a superwide stance. I'm about 6'1 and it looks like my feet are probably a little more than 5 feet apart. In this stance, I sit. My back is straight - that helps prevent back pain in tournaments. My knees are not in great condition - a tiny bit of cartilege in one knee & bone on bone for the other - both will be replaced at some point. This stance is easier on the knees, but it does require a lot of hamstring stretching.

Tom - I would not call it the expected stance for NCAA. The vast majority do not use the superwide stance, though quite a few taller males do have a 4-5 foot spread.

Hawkeye said "...but I think the way they get back to a normal standing position after each pitch (not batted or wild/passed) is what looks ridiculous and sticks out poorly - move each foot six-ten inches in, back and forth, until feet are normal width apart again = very jerky."
I agree, if a person has to struggle to get up, that's not a stance that they should use. Me, I sit and stand - one motion for each.

ScottK's explanation is at least as good as anything I could point out - and he's a lot taller than I am.

I never did like the scissors - it is not a stable stance, as far as I'm concerned. And my neck was always stiff & sore. The wide stance I use is very stable - it's almost like a wide horse stance, for those who know soem martial arts.