Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Thu Jul 31 12:29:08 2003

>>> Thanks for the great video, also still having fun
with the bat speed indicator.

I'm wondering if you find alot of people having problems with contacting the ball too far out in front when trying to learn these new mechanics.

I practice on a heavy bag per the tapes instructions, but when I go out to hit off the tee I find my self moving toward the back of the box for what feels to be a more comfortable
hitting position. ( Linear mechanics trying to creep back in ? ) Hope this is just a common part of the learning process.

Any and all help appreciated. Thanks <<<

Hi Paul

The tendency to move back away from the contact point is natural for most hitters. They are accustomed to using backside mechanics where they attempt to accelerate the bat-head by driving (or extending) the top-hand past the bottom-hand. This is not an efficient method of applying torque and it also results in a more linear hand-path. Therefore, the bat-head trails the extending hands and decent bat speed is not attained until later in the swing.

In order to move up to the proper contact position (about even with the front-knee), one must develop swing mechanics that generate bat speed early in the swing. This means you must get the lead-side more involved in the swing instead of relying on backside extension. Study the section in the Instructional Video regarding “Bottom-Hand-Torque.” Then as you address the bag, think about accelerating the bat-head to contact by pulling the knob of the bat back toward the catcher (105 degree shoulder rotation) instead of trying to drive the top-hand forward.

Paul, as I pointed out in the video, it is also common for batters to revert back to their old mechanics when swinging at a live ball (with you, it must also happen with tee work). When doing Swing Reviews, I have noted many students exhibit two sets of swing mechanics. One set they use for tee and bag work, and a different set when swinging at live balls. You must work to really “burn-in” rotational mechanics and retain those swing principles in the cage.

Jack Mankin