Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Mon Nov 22 14:13:32 2004

>>> Although they may have a linear hand path, they rotate also. And this rotation causes a circular hand path even though the hands are thrust in a straight line by extending at the elbows. Not saying its an efficient circular hand path, but it's definately not straight. <<<

Hi Teacherman

I understand that in an actual swing there is always some bend in the hand-path. However, a batter can have great hip and shoulder rotation and still produce a weak swing if the top-hand is thrust forward at initiation. In fact, if we take the torque factor away by applying the force from the hands at a single point, a batter extending the hands forward during initiation would be lucky to attain 15 mph in the contact zone.

Yes, he may be able to develop some CHP as the hands near full extension, but the resulting bat speed occurs very late in the swing as the hands start arcing toward the shortstop. This is why he is weak on outside pitches and most of his well-hit balls are pulled foul.

For a batter to generate the most productive hand-path, the first movement of the hands must be directed perpendicular to the path of the incoming ball. The more a batter directs his hands in-line with the ball during initiation – the weaker the results – regardless of how great he rotates his hips and shoulders.

Jack Mankin