Posted by: Mister X () on Tue Jun 10 21:35:30 2003

I would have to disagree with those contending the fence drill has no use. I have video of both Aaron and T Williams from behind clearly showing the hands and bat staying inside the middle of the plate. So It all depends how you use the fence drill. Leading with the hips and then the hands coming through was their rotational technigue. For kids that hit the ball off the hands or label, I will use the fence to show them how to turn and not use their hands and arms until the last possible moment. The fence forces them to lead with their hips,shoulders,arms then hands.



The idea behind the fence drill is correct. The drill, however, has flaws that will most likely lead to a disconnected, "arms" swing. Keeping you hands close and "inside the ball" are good things to do. But swinging against a fence will cause most people to do one of two things:
1) don't rotate at all and push the hands straight forward
2) fully rotate while keeping the bat on the bat back, and then pushing the hands through

Both types of swings are examples of disconnection and are bad swings.