Posted by: Donny Buster (donnybstr@aol.com) on Wed Oct 27 14:12:17 2004

>>> I remember that previously Teacherman said that the best way to execute bow arch is to use the fence drill. Now, I am still not clear what Teacherman or anyone means by bow arch so I can not comment on whether or not it is a valid theory. However I can definetly testify that the fence drill is LINEAR. I can prove the fence drill is linear, because when I swing with the fence in the way of the bat I have to draw my arms way in in order for the bat to not hit the fence. The result is that I end up just thrusting my hands and bat forward, and to me this is LINEAR. Therefore, if Teacherman is correct that bow arch should be executed by using the fence drill, then bow arch must be a linear concept and therefore should be dismissed as a mechanic that would impede, not enhance bat speed. <<<
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> Hi Abe
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> Your observation that the fence drill promotes a linear hand-path is correct. Not only does the fence drill cause you to draw your arms in close to the body, it also forces the back-forearm to lower straight down (parallel with the fence) from the more vertical position. For the hand-path to be circular, the lowering of the forearm to horizontal must follow a circular downward path. This means the forearm and the hands first start to lower toward the fence and then around toward the pitcher – not directly down toward the pitcher.
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> Jack Mankin
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> I wonder why Epstein did this in his early tapes? Maybe a drill designed to get the hips FAR ahead of the hands to teach a new rotational feel. When your belly button is through before you release the bat( as a drill)it can squeeze thru with the fence in closer proximity. Linear or rotational application would have to consider what the lower body is doing and how exaggerated the steps were IMO.

We strive to get the bat to "flail" with big muscle leverage. I really don't like to be near the fence.