Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Wed May 11 22:09:30 2005

>>> Jack-

I agree, almost certainly a primarily mechanical problem that makes good swing timing
very difficult/very unlikely.

AND- a great descripiton by Jack of the heart of the issue being the out of synch/
dragging of bathead/poor transfer mechanics. I believe Jack has also described this
dragging as the lack of the desired "exponential resistance factor" - do I remember that
correctly ?

Hi Tom

I recall noting the importance the rearward resistance factor offered by the top-hand has in keeping the acceleration of the bat-head in synch with shoulder rotation. I may have, but do not recall using “exponential resistance factor."

It is quite a coincidence that you should bring up this topic at this time. This afternoon I was in my workshop testing handle designs for a swing trainer (similar to the knob on the bat we used in the instructional video). I found that a handle that had the top of the hand at around 45 degrees to the bat, instead of the more vertical angle of the older design, offered better control and felt more natural.

I also was checking the difference in acceleration of the bat-head generated from swinging the trainer with the lead-hand only (pendulum effect only) to acceleration generated when the top-hand offered a rearward resistance during initiation (torque + pendulum). The acceleration from the launch position through the lag position was substantially greater with the top-hand applying a rearward force.

Jack Mankin