Posted by: BHL (Knight1285@aol.com) on Mon Nov 22 13:51:27 2004

>>> Help me with this abreviation? Thanks. <<<
>
> Hi Jeff
>
> Welcome to the site. – THT is an abbreviation for Top-Hand-Torque.
>
> The best hitters generate greater bat speed than the average hitter because their swing mechanics accelerate the bat-head around the entire swing plane from initiation to contact. THT is a mechanic that aids in first accelerating the bat-head back toward the catcher before the batter rotates and directs his/her energy toward the ball. Average hitters gain their bat speed out in front of the body by extending their hands (and knob) at the ball.
>
> Jack Mankin
>
Hi Jack and Jeff,

I understand that some doubt the existence of torque in a swing; others acknoledge it plays a pivotal role in accumulating bat speed. Personally, I fall between these two extremes, and am agnostic about whether the mechanic is a physical factor, or a cue.

Let's return to the topic at hand, though, and assume THT exists. Jeff, I have studied Mankin's THT carefully, and it gives another dimension to the swing: width. By increasing the swing's circumference, this means that a person is capable of pulling every pitch with enough power to clear the pull field fence.

Alternatively, if one denies that torque is a factor, an individual can hit to the pull field simply by widening their CHP.

It also seems as if THT embeds itself in far more controversy than THT.

Right now, I am keeping an open mind, which is the best idea of all.

If any of you have further questions, by all means, ask, so that I can crystallize certain beliefs of mine that might seem hitherto murky to both of you.

Best wishes to both,
BHL
Knight1285@aol.com

P.S. Jack, why you waste your time on promulgating how to amass BHT, when we all know that, if THT is used correctly, BHT will fall into place? Though I might not agree wholly with your ideas on torque, would it not make sense to articulate the concept that all the great hitters have, rather than just the good ones. Remember, people will always privilege mechanics indigenous to Hall-of-Famers over fundamentals shared by people who wind up with the labels of just "good" ballplayers.