Posted by: Coach C () on Fri Oct 17 23:18:49 2003

>>> Jack the front shoulder is driven by the hands, whether they go linear or rotational. It's when the front shoulder leads that creates the problems. <<<
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> > > > > > > > Hi Coach C
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> > > > > > > > How far would you say the hands move before they start driving the shoulder?
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> > > > > > > > Jack Mankin
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> > > > > > > > Sounds like a leading question as it's impossible for the hands to physically drive the shoulders. it's exactly the other way around. get out your kinesiology book. end of discussion. next question?
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> > > > > > Geez.....thanks Rich.....I got out my kinesiology book and you are exactly right it's impossible. I'm going to read that book further and see how long it takes for me to ruin my swing......I'm guessing first session.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The next question for you is this...when you look at Sandman's boy swing....what is right about the swing and what is wrong in your mind.
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> > > > > > Clearly he is hips, shoulders, hands just like the book says...do you agree?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > What sound advice would you have for that boy and everyone else participating in the discussion? Feel free to use your book if you want.
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> > > > > > Coach C
> > > > >
> > > > > If you are going to get defensive when your assertions are calmly challenged, you won't last long around here. LOL
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> > > >
> > > > I'm still waiting for your advice for the boy.....my guess is you have none......prove me wrong.......I'm still waiting, LOL!
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> > > > Coach C
> > >
> > > I'm sure the boy will get fine advice. My mission has, for some time, been to the coaches who think they know more than they do. This of course for the sake of the kids. If you can't explain clearly without vague buzzwords exactly what you think happens in the swing and then back it up with MLB clips of great hitters doing what you describe, then you might want to take some time to re-evaluate...for the sake of the kids.
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> > No sound advice for the boy.....HMMMMMM, oh yeah, hit the bag. Clips are not the issue......the issue is how does one arrive at those positions in the clips. I see the same thing you see in the clips, this we agree on. Every kid I've ever worked with has improved, power/average. Every great hitter I've had the pleasure of knowing has excelled at pepper......a hand game. This is the foundation of a great swing, it builds bat head awareness, how bat angles effect ball flight, how the body get's in the right positions to hit, and how not to hit past the ball. You've avoided the main question repeatedly (Major) and it is my belief that we have different agendas. I am not searching.....I'm saying I get to all of those positions in the clips, have always hit for average and power, etc. Never once did I need to hit a heavy bag (not that there is anything wrong with that), but ultimately it's about making swing changes that impact the player.
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> > For the sake of the kids you impact......I wish you well, and thanks for saving me from myself. You WIN!!!!!
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> > Coach C
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> Coach C, Would be interested to know what level of ball you are playing. Are you playing College Ball? Pro Ball? Men's league?
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> Doug
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>Played for UNLV, played high school varsity 3 years, offered a deal with the Phillies organization after high school, but turned it down to go to school. I'm a book worm as much as ball player. After college I pursued my current occupation in aviation (another passion). I got out of baseball for about 10 years, only to return to it, when my youngest Son was born. I've always been able to hit at every level, so I knew I did some things right, but when others couldn't....mainly youngsters, it bothered me. What was I doing that they weren't...I thought everyone should be able to hit, it's easy (so I thought). What I realized is it's not easy for some and in fact it's down right impossible for others. I am constantly asked to play in Wood Bat leagues, beer leagues, Sunday leagues, etc and once in a while I will. I've been guest speaker at numerous hitting clinics, most notably with Tony Gwynn. My main function today is to give lectures to high school, college and youth ball players. The easiest ones to coach are the youngsters, because I lot of them do things right, before poor coaching ruins them. I have never stopped learning from the game, because if I did....I would find something else to do. I have friends in the Bigs and when we get together....we only talk baseball....mostly hitting.

At every hitting clinic I do or anytime I teach I always do what I teach. I think there is a credability issue when the teacher can't do what he says...........thus I hit a lot, probably 6 days a week off live and machine pitching. I have no problem showing my swing..............Lastly, I've switch hit my entire life.

Gotta go!

Coach C