Posted by: Jack Mankin (mrbatspeed@aol.com) on Tue May 18 14:30:26 2004

Hi Shawn

For the most part, I agree with your statement except the following, “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 would say that there is a vast amount of evidence to show that hitters applying THT generate a good deal more bat speed that the alternative – not to apply THT.

I defined THT as the top-hand pulling back (with the fingers) during initiation as opposed to driving the top-hand forward (pressure in the palm). Applying THT at initiation accelerates the bat-head into the plane of the swing while the hands and knob remain closer to the back shoulder. I would say that 90+% of the hitters drive the top-hand (and knob) forward which accelerates the bat more lengthwise than attaining angular bat displacement. Driving the top-hand forward (as opposed to pulling back) also results in a straighter hand-path and thus less bat speed.

Shawn, I would agree that THT (especially the pre-launch phase) is part of great hitters timing sequence. However, hitters who apply the mechanic efficiently also generate much greater bat speeds than those that initiate the swing driving the top-hand forward.

Jack Mankin