Posted by: Jerry Ridder (jerryridder@excite.com) on Tue Oct 12 14:01:39 2004

To build on teacherman's thought, I'd like Erik to view this clip http://www.youthbaseballcoaching.com/mpg/Griffey01.mpeg and tell us what he thinks the swing angle is.
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> Jack,
> > > I just don't agree with this theory that the uppercut, is the only way to approach hitting for all levels .I have had plenty of players approach hitting starting down and leveling out and they have produced.I have been successful as an instructor and I have paid very close attention to their approaches.I have used the ultimate batting tee with different types of hitters and I must say it has done miracles for players that needed to eliminate extreme uppercuts.I have also had great results with helping hitters create power using the ultimate batting tee.I would say that the angle adjustment has really helped players to develope the slight uppercut ,and work slightly down .With this in mind I couldn't change my direction because of the success and results.Why try to fix something that works?I hope someday that you can give the ultimate batting tee the credit it deserves ,this device has helped thousands of players produce.The testimonies support this !! ERIK LASEKE
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> > Please watch some video of mlb players before you continue your implosion.

>>> The swing shown in the clip is, IMO, a beautiful example of rotational mechanics. Note that the trailing elbow (watch the #30 on his shirt) is rotating at the same rate as the torso. There is no extension of the top (trailing) arm until long after contact is made. IMO, the swing plane for proper ball contact can be none other than one which matches or is slightly greater than, the plane of the pitch. I have seen the machine in question, and even tried it, but I don't think you can manage "proper" swing mechanics, (read rotational mechanics) with it. The machine may have been useful for linear mechanics, but, again, IMO, linear mechanics is "old school".

Jerry