Posted by: BHL (Knight1285@aol.com) on Fri Feb 20 13:10:13 2004

>>> If you peruse through my latest post--"Please Respond Jack--Perfecting Dreams"--you will see that I actually commend Jack for his visionary findings. I actually believe this site is de rigeuer for any single hitters dreaming of hitting 35 home runs one day. One cannot argue with physics, and Jack certainly has physics on his side.
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> However, while Jack's information describes the scientific reality to the swing almost perfectly, I disagree with some of the "cues" he uses to attain it. A prime example is his insistence on rotating the front heel. I found when rotate the heel, the hips do not move, and I cannnot get a good CHP. Yet, if I open my front foot 45 to 90 degrees, drop it, then flop the front foot over to the outside part of the heel (something that Jack disagrees with) I can get a great deal of CHP. Even when doing my CHP drills, as perscribed in The Final Arc II instructional booklet, I find that I get better hip rotation by "opening and dropping," rather than "spinning." Seen in this light, his front foot "cue" needs some work. But, if it works for others, I am not against it.
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> So, to answer your question, I agree with all of Jack's information. I just disagree with the "cues" he uses to explain his biomechanical movements (I believe Epstein is better in the "cue" department), why I think that Epstein complements Mankin rather nicely. <<<
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> Hi BHL
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> I have often stated that getting the body to rotate around a stationary axis is the energy for the swing. However, I have also frequently asked the question, “Of what use is a 1000 hp engine … if the transmission slips?” While doing swing reviews I have noted that most of the young hitters rotate their hips just fine, but they fail to rotate the bat-head and it is left dragging through the zone.
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> That is why I prefer the cue, “Think - Rotate the heel – Rotate the bat-head.” After all, the ultimate purpose of all swing mechanics (including hip rotation) is to rotate the bat-head around to contact as quickly as possible. Concentrating on just getting the hips to rotate while neglecting the bat-head is not effective.
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> Yet, I notice whenever you refer to the cue, you always omit the most important part – “Rotate the bat-head.” I think you and your students (and mentor) would be better served if you readjusted your priorities for the swing.
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> Jack Mankin
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Dear Jack,

How about "drop, flop, and let it arc (i.e., drop the front heel 45-90 degrees, and flop it over so the weight is on the outside part of the front foot, near the heel, and let the bathead swing around, much like a swinging door. Am I a little closer to the truth?"

I will also give my students the "rotate the heel, rotate the bathead" choice as a "cue."

Secondly, please read / respond briefly to my eulogy of your system: "Please Respond Jack--Perfecting Dreams." You might be suprised that I advocate your way of thinking more than people believe!

Sincerely,
BHL
Knight1285@aol.com