Posted by: Jack Mankin (mrbatspeed@aol.com) on Mon Oct 6 15:20:38 2003

Hi All

I brought this thread back to the top because I overlooked a post by Coach C.

Question for Jack?
Posted by: Coach C (mailto: on Fri Oct 3 10:47:51 2003


Jack so I know were on the same page what is your definition of the launch position. At toe touch, or barrel pointed at catcher or some other point.
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> Hi rql
>
> My definition of the ‘launch position’ is when the batter has brought the bat and body to a position where he is ready to rotate and fully initiate the swing. --- The bat has swept into the swing plane (the barrel would be pointing (sweeping) in the direction of third base. The hands are at the back-shoulder. The back-elbow is lowering to the side. The hips have started to open (the rubber band is twisted) and shoulder rotation is being initiated.
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> Jack Mankin

> Could one arrive at those positions if they were to hold the bat in the top hand and throw the barrel on plane with the ball? One area that needs to be discussed is the role the top hand plays in controlling the plane. Have you ever seen Bonds swing a weighted bat with the top hand only (tomahawk like stroke)? Another observation is the ability Sheffield has to get the barrel to stay above the plane of lead arm on certain pitches. This requires the top hand in my opinion. Don't pull the knob, but throw the barrel at the ball.

> Coach C

Hi Coach C

Yes, the top-hand is more active in accelerating the bat-head into the plane on the swing. While bringing the bat-head to the launch position, the bottom-hand is more stationary and serves more as an “oarlock” for the top-hand to sweep the bat-head. However, at initiation (shoulders starting to rotate), the pull of the bottom-hand (from lead-shoulder rotation) becomes just as important as the top-hand in accelerating the bat-head. To apply torque to the bat requires forces from opposing directions.

You stated: “Don't pull the knob, but throw the barrel at the ball.” -- But Coach C, ‘pulling on the knob (BHT)’ does throw the barrel to the ball. Not making better utilization of lead-shoulder rotation in the swing results in a good percentage of lost bat speed for 90% of the batters I analyze in Swing Reviews.

Jack Mankin