Posted by: tom.guerry (tom.guerry@kp.org) on Sun Nov 2 09:05:07 2003

rql-

Epstein is not as clear as I would like (but I can get lost in the
details,beware) on the details of upper body loading,I believe
this is because he hasn't found a useful way to simplify it.I'm not
sure there is a good way to simplify it,so his is a reasonable
position.I would speculate,however.that there is a useful way to
teach it by teaching how to us the muscles to cock and uncock
the bat going into toe touch after you have got the basics of the
rotational aspects of the swing down using the bat fixed to
deltoid drills with or without tire/heavy bag.

I don't think the elbow gets slotted the same every time.I do think
the elbow needs to be coming down to the slot and the front leg
needs to be rotating the foot open a little (synchronized external
rotation) to continue coiling/loading into toe touch.If you interrupt
later as for outside,you "compensate"(keep swing timing in as
narrow a range as possible) by the bat torquing more prior to
launch(as compared to turning more on inside pitch)so you still
get a quick swing and make contact around the front knee/hitting
up the middle or to offside alley.This is as minimal an
adjustment as possible and not as dramatically different as
"inside-outing" the ball with the hands ahead of the barrel at
contact giving a weaker hit to the off field.Still,there is a
significant timing difference between inside and out so it makes
sense to look either in or out as Epstein recommends if the
situation allows.

I think the coach needs more detailed understanding of the
upper body load than what Epstein describes to guide the
learning of the "torque" part of the swing when you go "hands
free"/take the bat off the deltoid.There is quickness and fuller
adjustment ability potential here,but his cues and drills may not
be as successful in mastering this area(get hands flat as quickly
as possible,scoop sand with top hand,proprietary fence
drill).While I agree with his emphasis on the importance of
some TORSO counterrotation("rubber band"),this needs to be
minimized by good shoulder/arm/hand action leading the
loading.The least helpful part of his description is his warning to
NOT "center the bat".Good shoulder/arm/hand action/"torque"
requires the bat to cock and uncock with the bat centered and
turning toward catcher at toe touch,then heel
drop(THT).Certainly,if you do this with the wrong muscles/
sequence you will lengthen the swing by wrapping.But if you do it
right,you get the necessary benefits of what Jack identifies
mechanically as torque.Necessary in terms of getting a better
load which translates to a quicker swing with better plate
coverage.

The hope with the Epstein method is that you get enough right
that you "naturally" figure out these upper body loading
details,but some will need more accurate cues to guide their
natural trial and error to the right goal.Especially if you are using
video to guide things.

In summary,I would make sure they are not counter-rotating too
much/to the point the sholulders or head are turning back,but do
not prohibit some torso counter rotation and do not prohibit
"centering" the bat(but at the same time get rid of
"wrapping".Easier said than done.Don't confuse them if you can't
make it work simply.