Giancarlo Stanton’s recent adjustments to his batting stance offer fascinating insights into swing mechanics and the potential for transformation in a player’s performance. Known for his incredible power and size, Stanton has always been a hitter with a “pull pattern” style, where his shoulders and hips rotate with his hands, creating separation that drives the ball with force. However, a recent change to his stance has opened up new possibilities by aligning his body in a way that could improve his swing mechanics.
Stanton’s Stance Shift
In his new approach, Stanton has closed off his stance, where his body — hips, shoulders, and feet — now points slightly towards the opposite batter’s box. This seemingly small shift in setup has a big impact on his swing’s flow and balance:
- Enhanced Swing Sequence: By positioning himself more closed off, Stanton’s body aligns differently, creating a more cohesive and natural sequence for his swing.
- Improved Shoulder Alignment: The closed stance has allowed Stanton to use shoulder tilt as part of his load-up process, giving his swing a better angle and a smoother movement.
- Increased Control Over Hands: The new stance gives Stanton the feeling of delayed hand movement, allowing his hands to come up naturally rather than forcing them forward.
This adjustment means Stanton’s swing now has a more balanced flow and smoother motion, giving him improved control over his power and timing.
How to Experiment with a Closed Stance
Trying Stanton’s adjustments can be useful, particularly for players with a pull-pattern tendency. Here’s a quick way to test this closed stance:
- Set Up Closed: Position your hips and shoulders so that they point slightly towards the opposite batter’s box.
- Avoid Overloading Hands: Focus on letting your hands follow your shoulder alignment rather than pulling them back.
- Feel the Flow: Try to feel your hands and shoulders working together in one motion.
This approach creates more balance and control over your swing while maintaining your power potential.
Who Should Give This a Try?
Experimenting with a closed stance could benefit hitters with tendencies to pull, as it promotes a more natural shoulder alignment and movement transition. Notable players, including Ken Griffey Jr., have also used a closed stance to create the same alignment benefits, demonstrating its effectiveness across different batting styles.