Posted by: Shawn () on Fri Aug 6 19:53:45 2004

What's the difference between pure rotational mechanics, and transfer rotational mechanics (bonds v. palmeiro)?...
> Also, THT is created by the pulling back of the top hand to create an arc back toward the catcher, but my question is if you hit with your elbow up, if you drive your elbow into the "slot" then the bathead arcs toward the catcher...is this THT or should it be an addition to the top hand pulling back?...
> also, the hips and shoulders rotate to initiate the swing and the hands are basically on auto pilot (besides THT) and the rotation of the hips and shoulders pull the bat through while the hands have little to do with the swing (besides THT and BHT)? So the adage, "throw your hands," or "trust your hands" are basically a moot point when rotational mechanics are applied? Is BHT created naturally through the rotation process or does that have to be applied like THT?
>
> I apologize for the lenghtiness of this but I am having a difficult time understanding the basic concepts through all of the rotational and physics jargon...I thought I was getting to understand it, but after reading some posts by Shawn and Jack about transfer rotaional mechanics and other posts, I have read myself into confusion!!

Hi,

The best way to understand what's is happening is to watch the clips I posted. Rafeal and Bonds both have the elbow and forearm facing the ground prior to rotation starting. The elbow has reached it's highest point.

Rafeal has more of a launch position. He cocks the hands bringing the bat into a launching position. There's not much else going on until rotation starts. Jack also thinks Alex has more of a launching position in the clip I posted, even though his hands and bat remain in the launching position his back elbow cocks.

Bonds has some extra movement going on with his hands. If you follow the swing, when the elbow reaches it's highest position, you can see how rotatoin affects the swing. Jack believes there is some pulling back with the top hand just prior and at initiation. I believe that how he holds the bat, vertical and slightly pointing toward the pitcher with the forearm level with the ground, plays a part in how rotation affects his swing. I believe how and where some starts the bathead greatly affects how rotation affects the swing. I can look at Barry Bonds and say it has more to do with rotation then anything else. You might not see what I see.

One thing you can see in the difference between Rafeal and Bonds, is how much more Bonds bat arcs much early or back toward the catcher. Bonds swing might be perfect for the way he uses the lowerbody and Rafeal's might be perfect for the way he uses the lowerbody.

Shawn