Posted by: Coach C () on Fri Oct 31 20:40:25 2003

>I would define “bat lag” as when the angular displacement of the bat-head does not stay in sync with body rotation (and forward advancement of the hands). The more the hands advance with a static bat, the farther the batter gets behind the power curve. --- Therefore, anyone who advocates keeping the body and bat-head quiet while quickly thrusting the hands forward is certainly not teaching the swing mechanics exhibited by the best hitters.
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> > Jack Mankin
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> >>> Jack
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> Please expand on your statement. "The more the hands advance with a static bat" can be interpreted in different ways. Are the hands moving due to rotation? Or, are they moving on their own? What is considered a static bat? Barrel not arching? Or bat completely still?
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> Help me out here. I hate the English language when it comes to discussing hitting. <<<
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> Hi Teacherman
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> By a “static bat” I am referring to the bat sliding (knob) first with little angular bat-head acceleration. It makes little difference if the hands are advancing from body rotation or just the extension of the arms. The farther the bat slides forward without attaining angular acceleration of the bat-head – the farther the batter gets behind the power curve and the weaker the results.
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> Jack Mankin
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Jack,

I'm starting to understand some of our differences. I'm going to speak in simple terms. When I feel fast hands my hands are on a circular path to the ball, but I try to feel that my hands are riding below my lead elbow and staying very close to the body. My impression (correct me if I'm wrong) is that you advocate keep the lead elbow down. If you say "no" to the lead elbow down, then the front side connection you advocate is not normally possible. This also may explain why I preach sit to hit and you may not. Clarify your postion for me on these issues, I don't want to misinterpret you in any way. Bonds hits with short arms....does he not? There is no way to hit with short arms if the circular hand path is geared to come over the lead arm. That's a long swing in my book. Please explain. I do want fast shoulders but is it a good swing cue to feel the lead elbow above the ball, during your swing? Giambi and Edmonds exagerate this move if you ask me.

Coach C