Prep Baseball Report

Chris Burke Tip of the Week



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A little bit about Chris Burke:

  •  ESPN College & Little League Baseball Analyst
  •  2001 SEC Player of the Year (league leader in batting avg., hits, runs, triples, slg %, OBP, and total bases)
  •  Holds 6 Single Season Hitting Records and 8 Career Hitting Records at the University of Tennessee
  •  2-time Consensus First-team All-American
  •  Hit Walk Off Home Run in 2005 NLDS vs. Atlanta Braves
  •  Professional Hitting Instructor

The importance of spine angle

*Jonah Todd - Auburn University Outfielder*

If you follow Chris Burke at all on social media, you will see him talking about a hitter’s “spine angle” regularly.

What is spine angle and why is it important?

For starters, spine angle is part of the separation move - the 1st of 4 parts of the swing. It is when a hitter has landed their front foot and moved their hands back. They are now reading the pitch. If you were to take a picture of hitters at this very moment, you should be able to tell whether they are going to be successful or not.

If a hitter is in a correct spine angle position, they should be able to drop the bat and do multiple athletic moves: guard someone in basketball, steal a base, jump in the air, etc. Jonah Todd had an outstanding year at the plate and he consistently showed an athletic spine angle. Todd has natural athletic ability, but this move can be taught.

Check out this week’s tip of the week with Chris Burke to see how to practice this move!

NOTE: This video will expire 7 days from post (insert date posted here). If you are viewing this Tip of the Week after its expiration, go to http://ecoach.coach/baseball/ for more information.

NOTE: This video will expire 7 days from post (insert date posted here). If you are viewing this Tip of the Week after its expiration, go to http://ecoach.coach/baseball/ for more information.

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