Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Mon Aug 21 23:55:48 2000

>>> maybe i better make sure i understand what we mean by keeping the shoulder in vs. opening the shoulder....i hear many coaches, me among them teaching to keep the shoulder in up to launch position....then, of course the shoulder has to open..so.....are you suggesting that the shoulder should NOT be kept in prior tp reaching launch position....or do you agree that you do keep it in through launch position but that there are coaches who actually teach keeping the shoulder closed BEYOND launch position ?... i would appreciate your clarification...respectfully, grc.... <<<

Hi grc

You have been coming to this site for quite some time, and I'm finding it hard to believe you would ask me - >>> are you suggesting that the shoulder should NOT be kept in prior tp reaching launch position....<<< - so I must conclude you know my thinking regarding the inward turn and the launch position.

Yes, grc, I have talked to a lot of coaches who teach "keep your shoulder in there" after the batter has initiated their swing. And those coaches are not confined to the little leagues. High school, college, and even some professional coaches still cling to this teaching method. --- This past spring, I observed a couple of college coaches teaching their "1-2-3" method. On "1", the batters took their stride. On "2", they "squashed the bug" - opened their hips while keeping the hands back and shoulders closed. On "3", they throw their hands at the ball. The shoulders were to "clear out" to allow the hands to come through. This, they told me, will allow the batter to develop quickness and bat speed. -- I have found it best to just keep my mouth shut.

Jack Mankin