Posted by: Brian () on Mon Aug 25 18:59:05 2008

> If it can enable a player to keep the hands inside close, it's not stupid.
> Different excercises work for different players.

Despite the video evidence and the detailed information and explanations, it is frankly amazing that this nonsense is still being encouraged on this forum.

As stated above, the fence drill and cues such as "keep hands inside close" will stall a player's progress. We show video after video after video of great hitters with a BARRED (straight or almost straight) lead arm. You see All-stars and homerun derby hitters, like Holiday, Sosa, Pujols, Giambi, A-Rod, etc., etc., all with a straighter lead arm from initiation to contact.

The reasons why keeping the lead-elbow at a fixed (or “barred”) angle is essential to in producing the most productive circular hand path have been discussed repeatedly (along with video). A “barred” lead arm delivers full power from the rotation of the body through the lead arm to the bat (whereas allowing a bend arm to un-flex creates slack that loses momentum in the swing). It is a fact that with efficient mechanics, the wider the arc of the hands - the faster the bat-head moves. It also allows players to get better plate coverage, etc, etc.

If you believe that the arms/hands should be tight/close/bent, what great hitter are you watching (name any allstar or homerun derby hitter this year and we'll post his clip). I don't think it matters how many videos we post because some people refuse to accept the information in front of them.

John, have you ever considered testing the fence drill? Try posting a video of your local "good" hitting instructor demonstrating "keep the hands inside close" with the fence drill while hitting a baseball. I'll then put your video side by side with the swing of a great hitter. We have studied and analyzed good college hitters demonstrating the fence drill while dry swinging and hitting a ball ... it doesn't work in theory or in practice.

Brian