Posted by: BHL (Knight1285@aol.com) on Thu Mar 10 01:37:27 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.
>
> Hey BHL,
>
> You've mistaken me for someone else on the getting out of the chair cue. Mark H. loves that cue... i tend to disagree with it.
>
> The waist is bent at heel drop and at contact there is a straight line from the foot thru the shoulder.... HOW? they must raise up, right?
> some do a couple of inches as can be seen in the upward movement of the head. i don't like the head moving. the less the better in my humble opinion. steady head = steady eyes = more focus on the ball... less variable information going to the subconscious for computation of where the ball will be at contact.
>
> I think the head can remain steady as the hips are rotated AND thrust forward/upward under the stationary head. the rotation and thrust are very powerful movements that enhance each other thru the push of the rear leg and the straightening of the front leg.
>
> If we teach "get up" that might be a little misleading in my opinion. it's a much more difficult movement. like THT, it's something i don't talk about to the young hitters. Here's what they need.
> 1) full hip rotation
> 2) torso connection to full hip rotation
> 3) shoulder connection to torso rotation
> 4) full shoulder rotation, no slowing
> 5) front arm connected to shoulder rotation(no slop)
> 6) bat in the same plane as the front upper arm at launch
> 7) bat still on the same plane as upper arm at contact(NO WRIST BIND)
>
> Those are the MAGNIFICENT SEVEN... if i get my students there i'm a happy camper. then and only then will i start looking for the small stuff ie., front elbow up, bat lag in good position, back elbow staying close to slot, hands at launch, hands still at launch position half way into shoulder rotation, etc.
>
> I just realized that i forgot one... so it's the MAGNIFICENT EIGHT!!!!
> and #8 is, or it actually is #1 in my book STATIONARY HEAD AFTER LAUNCH.
>
> I'd be very interested in what's the most important teaches in your estimation... and all other good people on this board.
>
> Best regards, Rich

Hi Rich,

While visiting hitting-mechanics.org, I came across loads of useful information describing the sequencing of the swing. However, one of Nyman's belief troubles me: "Form vs. Function."

For instance, Paul acknowledges that the back leg makes an "L" at contact, but opines that it is the end result of the hitter turning his / her hips properly. By contrast, I believe that the process of making the "L" allows the hitter to turn the hips correctly. Honestly, though, the truth is probably that the "L" assists a hitter's hip gyration at the same time rotation creates the proper "L" shape in a hitter's rear leg.

This is one of many examples in hitting which calls for using a "both / and" approach in lieu of using an "either / or" approach.

Hence, neither form nor function can boast primacy over their counterpart; hence, Nyman would best tackle the dilemma in encompassing terms, rather adhering to polarities. A better title would be "The Dynamics / Harmonics of Form and Function."

The debate seems to drag on though, notably since Plato broadcasted his "Ideal of Forms to the world."

Keep this in mind as you add / subtract to your impressive compilation of how to teach a swing.

I wish you nothing but the best in mentoring those that seek you for guidance.

Sincerely,
BHL
Knight1285@aol.com

P.S. The steroid scandal will force more major leaguers to become "PFO's!"