Posted by: Jack Mankin (mrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sun Nov 7 11:49:03 2004

>>> We still haven't started the discussion on pre-launch torque. I've been trying to figure it out and it's keeping me up at night. I've been fiddling around with a bat, and I may have gotten it, so I'll take a stab at it. Please correct me if I'm wrong:

You are striding, inward turning, and bringing the hands back to, or just past the back shoulder. The back elbow is elevating. The point where the back elbow reaches it's highest elevation is just before the stride foot toe touches. As the toe touches, the back elbow starts downward, which causes the top-hand to pull the bat in plane, and starts the bathead to arc back toward the catcher, slightly. As the stride heel drops, the back elbow comes down to the side causing the top-hand to apply and add more torque to the bat, and the shoulders start their rotation. The swing is now on autopilot, and BHT will happen by itself.


I still can't find any swing clips. If you or anyone else has any clips (preferabbly Bonds) that shows good PLT, please post it. Thanks. <<<

Hi Dougdinger

You described the basic sequence of rotational mechanics quite well. That being said, it is important to remember that you cannot think your way through the swing. For you to attain your maximum bat speed, the swing must be on autopilot. If you acquire a good launch position and have the correct mental image of how to initiate the swing, body rotation will automatically fling the hands into a productive CHP. Most batters are too tense from driving the hands with the arms to ever feel this flinging action that give the great hitters that smooth effortless look.

Learning how to fling the hands into a CHP is the basis of a good swing. However, the angular acceleration of the bat-head MUST stay in sync with shoulder rotation - staying with the power curve. Having the bat-head accelerating prior to initiation, and adding THT keeps the bat accelerating in sync as shoulder rotation increases and the hands are flung faster. BHT will automatically be applied as the lead-shoulder rotates back to the 105-degree position.

The keys to a good swing are:
(1) Can you learn to allow the hands to be flung into a CHP?
(2) Can you learn to add torque without distorting the CHP?
(3) Can you stay loose and acquire the timing and rhythm to put the swing on autopilot?

When I get back to the office I will send you the address of some Bond clips.

Note: BatSpeed.com has twice responded to your e-mail and post "Still No Reply."

Jack Mankin