Posted by: Shawn () on Tue May 18 11:47:21 2004

Hi,

I see there is some talk about THT and the back elbow.

I think we need to first say that Sheffield THT torque is part of his timing, along with Bonds. Just like the stride or cocking of the front knee they have added the barrel into their timing mechanism.

There's no evidence that THT supplies more batspeed or power. Since many hitters do not show significant THT in their timing mechanism. THT merely aids in overcoming inertia and is timed to the pitcher (pitched ball).

I don't think the lowering of the back elbow Vs THT holds any relevance to what is going on in the swing. Sure the elbow must lower and sure it may raise and lower while performing THT.

I could teach anyone how to perform THT without any discussion of the back elbow or tilting.

THT is much more like throwing the barrel, although we could discuss the relevance of the cue. It is easy to time the cocking the barrel towards the pitcher during the windup and release and then swinging at a pitch.

I could teach anyone how to apply THT in one lesson. There is no mystery except for the one that is being created by people over thinking the process. It doesn't mean the hitter will be better, it just means they have added pre launch torque to their timing mechanism.

In theory a bat already in motion should be easier to initiate in the swing.

It still takes lots of practice and time spent trying to figure out how to use the body to create batspeed, regardless on how you swing the bat.

Many hitters will cock the top hand naturally as they prepare to swing, thereby supplying some form of THT.

I don't think the back elbow movements Vs the top hand actions holds any water in discussing the pre swing actions of hitter.

Just some thoughts,

Shawn Bell