Posted by: BHL (Knight1285@aol.com) on Tue Mar 8 23:25:05 2005

> > Hi Nick:
> >
> > Please remember that the rotational swing is a "ground-up" mechanic. In order to apply optimum force to the bat, the gyrating front leg must rotate the front side of the torso, whereas the gyrating back leg must rotate the back side of the torso. This, in turn, will rotate the shoulders, and arms. The rotating arms, in turn, will spin both hands around each other, and provide power initiated through the kinetic chain by their corresponding foot / leg. These forces cause the bat to arc around the body.
> >
> > Since acceleration increases over time, using the body to rotate the bat in reverse an additional 90 degrees will provide more force than a swing arcing just 90 degrees. Remember, that swings that arc 90 degrees (i.e., towards the pitcher) have less time to accumulate optimum force than swings that arc 180 degrees (i.e., starting to arc back towards the catcher, then arcing towards the pitcher).
> >
> > Remember, that there are two important factors here: the effective use of the kinetic chain, and of geometry.
> >
> > Sincerely,
> > BHL
> > Knight1285@aol.com
> >
> > Note: I did not use the terms BHT or THT; yes, both hands do exert forces on the bat, but they are the result--not the cause--of using the kinetic chain properly. Pre-lauch torque could be much better approached in terms of plane geometry.
>
> Hey BHL,
>
> How's the vocabulary doin? quote:"both hands do exert forces on the bat, but they are the RESULT--not the cause--of using the kinetic chain properly."
>
> I agree the forces are and can be the result. but that does not preclude the conscious choice of using the top hand to generate force before the rotational force exceeds the top hand generated force.
>
> Have you ever tried to start your car in the morning and the starter cranks the engine to no avail because you've flooded the engine? and you're pumping the gas pedel saying "come on, come on start!!!!" the electric starter motor is turning the pistons to give them momentum until the combustion kicks in and the engine rotates faster past the RPM's of the starter motor.
>
> That is exactly what utilizing the top hand does in the advanced swings of the great MLB hittes... it's starting the bathead acceleration prior to the rotational force catching and passing it on the way to contact. mere milliseconds of force that some people CHOOSE to ignore...
>
> It (using your top hand to accelerate the bathead back) is TOTALLY AN OPTION and is not conciously used by everybody. like you said rapid rotation will cause the same movement and plane of the bathesd, but i personally prefer to use the starter motor that's available to me...
>
> Some people say that this starter motor interfers with the pure rotation of the swing... sure it can if you don't perfect it in practice... it can cause all kinds of wiggles, waves, jerks and havoc in the swing. that's why i've only taught it to one of my students. it's something that very few hitters can handle until they really have the basics under control.
>
> I have no science to back this up only a couple of guinee pigs that seem to have perfected it...
>
> Regards, Rich

Hi Rick,

Thanks for the feedback.

Now that I've had time to think about, I think Jack should not change his argument proper, but should endnote some "cues" (PLT, BHT, and THT), and inform individual that, for the most part, these forces are "reactive." During my formal trainer as a researcher, one professor suggested that, whenever elaboration is needed, but the added information is likely to muddle the concept presented, an endnote is needed.

Highest Regards,
BHL
Knight1285@aol.com

P.S. By the way, I like your "coming out of the chair" "cue," since it is a great way to stress the importance of attacking the ball on an upward plane.