Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Mon Nov 15 17:11:00 2004

>>> I believe that the lower half including feet, hips and weight transfer is the basis for a powerful swing to begin for without a good base the rotation above the base is limited. The mechanics of the lower half determines the ability and efficiency of keeping your hands back.

Question

If this is the case then is not the beginning of the swing (I see the swing as starting with any movements either forward/backward or rotational) when the lower half is leading the swing as important as what happens to the hands afterward? <<<

Hi Dave

I understand you may think I do not believe in the “kinetic chain” because of my problems with the term “sequential.” Putting aside a discussion of “sequential.” for the moment, I believe the ‘ground up’ theory of the kinetic chain is more efficient for rotational transfer mechanics than the “center out’ version. My thinking is very similar to the way Tom Querry described the twisting of the rubber band in the Adair thread.

Having said that, I also believe most coaches put far too much emphasis on teaching lower body mechanics. As you probably know, I break the swing into two parts – the energy development phase (generating hip and shoulder rotation) and the energy transfer phase (rotational transfer mechanics). I have found that once a student learns how to acquire a good launch position, having them concentrate on using sound rotational transfer principles results in their acquiring sound energy development mechanics.

Jack Mankin