Posted by: Coach C () on Mon Jan 26 22:16:26 2004

I was watching the clip of Troy Glaus and I noticed his arms do not fully extend after contact. I have seen this throughout numerous power hitters, even though lesser do follow through this way. I know Delmon Young, last yr's number one pick who has ligh-tower power followed through this way. But then there is Sosa and Bonds who become completely extended in there follow through.
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> I also notice Renteria keeps "tucked in tight" after contact. Thats the best I can describe it.It can be seen when the bat is pointing towards the pitcher in the follow through stage.
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> Are there benefits to this or is it just natural for some people? Btw all the hitters I have seen do this are right handed for some reason.

I think this is a valid observation on your part. Extension should not be the goal in my opinion. In fact, I have a strong sense that my arms are totally bent at contact, although the lead shoulder shrug has my lead arm nearer extension than the back arm. I believe many hitters have been cursed by thinking extension in the swing, thus forcing the top hand to roll too soon and v-shaping the swing.

While I would agree that Bonds and Sosa do get to extension in many of their swings, I have plenty of swings on video, where they do not. One thing is sure though, they never get to back arm extension prior to contact. The back arm should be in the bent power L position at contact. The slotting of the back arm is crucial in my opinion. Some que's I've used for my hitters is keep the hands back, swing under the lead elbow (not above it) and DON'T TRY FOR EXTENSION! Vladamir Guerrero has a wonderful swing plane, take a look at his swing. I thing you'll many of his swings where extension of the back arm happens well after contact and sometimes it never happens. Back arm extension is a no-no....in my opinion.

If you look on Nick's site, you'll see two swings of my Son slotting the back elbow with very little problem. He has engrained the idea of swingig below the lead elbow. This is what allows the ball to get deep and not force him extend his arms before contact. Hope this helps.

http://webpages.charter.net/nickkio/Coach/

Coach C