LATERAL QUICKNESS In baseball lateral quickness is equally if not more important than linear speed.  The ability to move side to side is very important but equally important is the ability to stop, gather and redirect your momentum which is often the case in baseball.  Response mechanisms and mechanics need to be developed to maximize lateral movement, mobility and agility.   Response Mechanisms:       1) Myotatic Reflex 2) Stretch Reflex 3) Impulse   Components of Lateral Movement: I. Body Control: 1) Teach body control - balance, coordination and agility 2) Teach the movement by starting a slow step by step pace and gradually speed up movement while maintaining good balance and agility. 3)  Develop a good power base and from this base will come the explosiveness needed in quick lateral movements.   II. Mechanics: 1) Stress the importance of good postural alignment. 2) Knees should never lock out at 100% extension. 3) Always teach and stress “full foot” plant when you cut and change direction. 4) Knees directly over toes (balance, base and good postural alignment). 5) Push, don’t pull with the heel when doing a lateral slide. Lateral training is often taken for granted and taught biomechanically incorrect.  We pay close attention to the mechanics, balance and the specificity of the movements.  Try to stay as close to your skill movements used on the baseball field.