Posted by: Coach C () on Tue Feb 24 15:32:56 2004

>>> This is where I think Tom has made some strong contributions with regard to "scapula loading". <<<
> > >
> > > Hi Coach C
> > >
> > > I have often asked Tom if "scapula loading" applied any different force to the bat than the mechanic I defined as Top-Hand-Torque in 1991. To my knowledge, he has never replied. I see "scapula loading" as just naming one of the muscle groups used in THT.
> > >
> > > Most of the students I review have our instructional video. They normally keep the lead-arm fairly close to their chest so I seldom see the ?long looping swing? you discribed.
> > >
> > > Jack Mankin
> > >
> >
> > I agree that "Scapula Loading" is in fact the THT you describe, however for the purposes of feel...describing the correct muscle groups can go a long way in activating the right mechanics. In other words feel "The pinch". It may not work for all, but many players have benefited from it. Let me say for the record that I do not think "Scapula Loading is evident in all great swings, so coaches need to be aware of what they are changing and what works for one hitter, does not work for another. A-rod is not Bonds, Bonds is not Vlad Guerrerro, Vlad is not Palmeiro, Palmerio is not Griffey, Griffey is not Berkman, etc. There is more to it than one approach as evident with the spray charts of all these fine hitters. Each create similar forces in the bathead, but how they release the energy is a matter of opinion.
> >
> > I actually think that most hitting woes are caused by trying not to get beat at the plate, instead of having the perception that the ball is coming to us. To prove my point.....try stepping into an 80 mph cage and hitting, then move over to a 50 mph cage, if the adjustment isn't made swifly after taking one pitch, the hitter has not learned how to let the ball come to him. I guess that's another issue for debate.
> >
> > Coach C
> >
> >
> >Hey Coach C
>
> Have not been moved to contribute much lately, but you always stimulate my thinking... the person that described the scapula contraction and coined the term "scap load" helped explain THT.
>
> If you do not scap load you won't get your hands back to your shoulder center line. if you don't then when you slot your elbow you have a greater chance of sloting forward of your SIDE center line. if your elbow is slotted more forward then you have a greater chance of more elbow disconnect as the torso rotates towards the pitcher... also front arm is not as tight. but then Ted Williams never slotted tight, so...
>
> If we teach it tight then individual differences can develope as one matures into their own feel or rythem. IMO teaching the rotational swing to be the tightest, quickest, most efficient swing possible is the way to go. if one finds comfort in small variations so be it.
>
> Very, very, very important point. LET THE BALL COME TO YOU. as soon as you go get it you are no longer tight, quick or efficient... you can still hit it hard, but POWER has leaked.
>
> Take care, Rich

Well said.....we're on the same page, which gives me confidence.

Next Friday I'm meeting with a guy who does computer animation of the baseball swing. He apparently hooks me up to a bunch of wires and calculates the rotational efficiency of my swing, through computer animation. Then it spits out a graph of data anylysis. He says he's done as many as 20,000 swings....some being MLB players.
This thing will also measure the batspeed through out the entire swing, to determine where any leaks are happening. I'll let you know how it goes. Gotta get those leaks out.

Coach C