Posted by: THG () on Fri Jul 25 13:08:40 2008

> >>> Jack - those videos are very helpful in explaining and showing BHT. I have pictures of my son at the lag and contact position that I believe show my son is using CHP, BHT and lead shoulder pull-back effectively. I am looking forward to the THT videos and any comments you might have on how to teach it. Thanks. <<<
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> Hi Dave
>
> I will show clips of the principles involved in applying THT early next week. In the meantime I will give you a preview of important points in effectively implementing the mechanic.
>
> Other than gravity, there are two main factors involved in generating the bat-head’s rearward acceleration. (1) Torque induced from the top-hand applying a rearward force as the bottom-hand is pulled forward by lead-shoulder rotation. (2) Torque induced from the rotation of the back-forearm (and hand) as the elbow lowers. -- Hold the bat at the launch position with only the top-hand. Note that by holding the hand up in a fairly fixed position, you can accelerate the bat-head rearward by rotating the forearm as the elbow lowers.
>
> One of the major problems I find with hitters THT mechanics (MLB included) is they reply to heavily on rotating the forearm without the top-hand applying a rearward force during initiation. This results in the back-forearm driving down and forward toward the batter’s side, which creates slack in the lead-side. Lead-shoulder rotation is now mainly used in taking out the slack rather than doing work. This action depletes most of the shoulder rotation with little left for applying BHT.
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> Note: The above illustrates the importance of a key transfer principle – The role of the forearms and hands are to remain back and apply torque. The acceleration of the hands and arms around the swing plane is powered by shoulder rotation.
>
> Jack Mankin


Hi Jack. Thanks for the feedback. I am trying to incorporate the principles in my swing. The problem I had was that I was hitting the ball deep but foul. Another problem I had was that I was so focused on the BHT/THT that I was having difficulty using it as a natural part of my shoulder turn. This in turn led to me swinging more across (Konerko) rather than swinging through and getting extension.

Therefore the side view of the hands I felt would be helpful to all as my only way to apply the torque led to a swing in which my entire body torqued with more emphasis on the upperbody (exagerated Jim Edmonds).

THG