Bat Speed -- Baseball Hitting Forum

Posted by: The Hitting Guru () on Sun May 23 15:24:54 2004

>>> If done properly, this technique (lead arm extension) increases the angle of the swing (also reduces top hand dominance) as illustrated in Charlie Lau the Art of Hitting .300. He may have to step away from the plate to allow for the sweep affect of the principle. Good Luck <<<
>
> Hi The Hitting Guru
>
> Would you expand on your statement, “this technique (lead arm extension) increases the angle of the swing.” I am not saying I agree or disagree, just looking for more clarity.
>
> Jack Mankin

Hello Jack Mankin

In response to your question of clarity in regard to extending the bat angle, I meant that the swing dynamics that go into the top hand (lead arm extension) finish enable the player to direct the swing in a manner in which the angle of impact is not compromised when done correctly. Even though the ball has left the bat on impact, the swing dynamics have already been initiated by the batter's approach. I believe that this approach is more effective for a hitter who is trying to use the whole field. This is especially true for a hitter who is trying to drive an outside pitch. Because of the additional waiting period involved in hitting to the opposite field, the hitter may need additional room to clear (extend) his hands when his timing is slightly off. Occasionaly, we speak of a hitter having hit a one arm homerun or drive. What the hitter has actually done is extend his swing through the contact area in order to hit a pitch he was most likely fooled on. He would mostly likely have trouble with a two arm finish because his setup was committed to maximize his power at a certain zone and when the ball had not reached that zone his (hands would roll over to complete the swing resulting in premature rolling of the wrists (tophand downacy) (Charlie Lau's Art of Hitting .300) maximum power is compromised unless he continues in the direction of the incoming pitch. This is not to say that this approach is better overall, as different methods work better on different conditions. I have seen Bonds and Griffey Jr. use both approaches with success. It would been interesting to get their opinions on the subject.
>

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> >>> If done properly, this technique (lead arm extension) increases the angle of the swing (also reduces top hand dominance) as illustrated in Charlie Lau the Art of Hitting .300. He may have to step away from the plate to allow for the sweep affect of the principle. Good Luck <<<
> > 
> > Hi The Hitting Guru
> > 
> > Would you expand on your statement, “this technique (lead arm extension) increases the angle of the swing.” I am not saying I agree or disagree, just looking for more clarity. 
> > 
> > Jack Mankin
> 
> 
> 
> Hello Jack Mankin
> 
> In response to your question of clarity in regard to extending the bat angle, I meant that the swing dynamics that go into the top hand (lead arm extension) finish enable the player to direct the swing in a manner in which the angle of impact is not compromised when done correctly.  Even though the ball has left the bat on impact, the swing dynamics have already been initiated by the batter's approach.  I believe that this approach is more effective for a hitter who is trying to use the whole field.  This is especially true for a hitter who is trying to drive an outside pitch.  Because of the additional waiting period involved in hitting to the opposite field, the hitter may need additional room to clear (extend) his hands when his timing is slightly off.  Occasionaly, we speak of a hitter having hit a one arm homerun or drive.  What the hitter has actually done is extend his swing through the contact area in order to hit a pitch he was most likely fooled on.  He would mostly likely have trouble with a two arm finish because his setup was committed to maximize his power at a certain zone and when the ball had not reached that zone his (hands would roll over to complete the swing resulting in premature rolling of the wrists (tophand downacy) (Charlie Lau's Art of Hitting .300) maximum power is compromised unless he continues in the direction of the incoming pitch.  This is not to say that this approach is better overall, as different methods work better on different conditions.  I have seen Bonds and Griffey Jr. use both approaches with success.  It would been interesting to get their opinions on the subject.       
> >

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