Posted by: THG () on Thu Jun 26 20:28:14 2008

> > Jack Mankin. Is there a real difference between twisting the core and applying the forces of THT/BHT?
> >
> > David Wright and Manny Ramirez appear to twist their core backward significantly before shoulder rotation. This leads to a tremendous rotational transfer of the weight.
> >
> > I am not saying they do not applying THT/BHT torque, but the torque in the hands is harder to recognize.
> >
> > Personally, I have tried THT/BHT with mixed results. I usually end up hit the ball long but foul when I concentrate on the hands and their application of the principles. When I think more in terms of twisting the core muscles (without emphasis on what the wrists are doning) in unison with the inward turn the results are better batspeed and a more consistent swing.
> >
> > Your thoughts are appreciated.
>
>
> THG,
>
> I agree Manny and David turn in a little more then most but IMO there is diffenitly BHT and THT going on. Watch how the hands are moving back as the stride foot is moving forward. Then watch how the barrel starts moving rearward prior to toe touch and the hips have already started to open. The barrel can only move that way with torque being applied. It is the tourqing rearward that keeps the lead shoulder closed and upper body back. The barrel being sent rearward tilts the shoulders and then the barrel is thrown through the zone by using THT and BHT. Watch how right around contact the lead shoulder stops moving and the lead bicep pinches down against the chest, this slows the lead hand allowing the top hand to be thrown around the bottom hand. IMHO these 2 hitters are not thinking rotate the shoulders hard. IMO they're thinking throw the barrel through the ball.
>
> Graylon


Graylon. Your points are well taken. I happened to see a clip on MLB.com of Willie Harris hitting a homerun to centerfield. And he is by no means a big power hitter (though I did notice that he managed to put on 15 lbs per his listed weight from last year.)

In that clip I noticed him using a cocking motion before launch. That motion could have been the torque principles. Perhaps a closeup view of the hands would convince me. In my opinion, the rearward action takes place regardless as long as the hitter strides in toward the plate. That rearward action does not convince me of the push pull in itself. Gary Sheffield and Lastings Milledge are some of the only hitters who it is clear use the push pull as opposed to taking the hands back like Konerko and Jim Thome.