Ohtani’s Lower Body Strength and Pivot Foot Rotation Drive 50 Home Runs in Second Half

Being able to consistently create a large arc is possible only with a strong lower body.

The new routine that Shohei Ohtani (30) has adopted is accelerating his success.

 

Starting around mid-June, Ohtani has begun laying his bat on the extension line between home plate and third base when entering the batter’s box, measuring its angle.

 

“The thickness of the batter’s box lines and their curvature can vary from stadium to stadium. Ohtani checks these subtle differences to ensure he stands in the same spot every time. By positioning himself consistently, he can face the pitcher in a mentally stable state, which often leads to better performance.” (baseball commentator Tsuyoshi Kobayakawa)

 

The effects of this movement are also evident in his technique. It allows Ohtani to stabilize the position of his pivotal foot, which is the source of his hitting power.

 

“Ohtani generates power by keeping his weight on his pivot foot while using his lower body’s rotational force to drive the ball. His batting form involves leaning backward toward the catcher, from the moment of impact to the follow-through. This creates distance between his upper body and the ball, increasing head speed.

 

However, maintaining this form requires a strong lower body and core. It’s only possible for Ohtani, who has top-tier physical attributes in the Major Leagues.” (adds the commentator)

Up to this point, Ohtani has been hitting home runs at a pace of 50 for the season, his personal best, and has recorded 23 stolen bases, also a career high (as of July 22).

With his exceptional lower body strength, he aims to achieve back-to-back home run titles and become the first player in history to hit 50 home runs and steal 30 bases in a single season.

From the July 26/August 2 combined issue of FRIDAY