Posted by: Graylon (g_dunc@hotmail.com) on Wed Aug 27 17:01:50 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
> >
> >
> > Brian,
> >
> > I also, see all those hitters you describe, keep a tight hand path and laterally tilt. It sounds like you are advocating casting and the creation of a long swing. I agree, the wider the path of the hands the more batspeed you can generate, but at what sacrafice?
> >
> > Graylon
>
>
> Graylon,
>
> I am not advocating anything other than the mechanics used by the great hitters I referred to. The challenge remains, post a video of a hitter standing with his stomach one bat length away from a fence and have him hit live pitching while doing the fence drill. Assuming you are correct, a batter can have a barred lead arm, lateral tilt, tight hand path, and whatever else you believe is necessary AND maintain good mechanics using the fence drill. However, our study and video analysis showed that the fence drill will absolutely ruin good mechanics. Let's see what you have to disprove it.
>
> Questions:
> (1) Do you agree that the hitters I referred to above swing with a barred (straight or almost straight) lead arm from initiation to contact? If no, link us to a video supporting your position.
>
> (2) Do you believe that these great hitters who have a barred lead arm have a long swing and cast? Yes or No? Explain?
>
> Brian

i agree that the hitters you refer to have lead arm extension.

No, I don't see any casting or long swings. Explanation, They are not trying to create a circular hand path. They do not gain the bat speed by rotating hard with thier shoulders, if they did then they would have a long, slow swing with bat drag.

And for your challenge. The drill is called the enforcer drill for a reason. It is suppose to enforce a tight hand path. It is not used with live pitching. If you try to teach a student to create a CHP then they will be long. Still I will try to get video of my 15 year old son hitting on the fence drill. He does not currently have the swing of a MLB player but he is somewhat in the pattern.

See I will take on the challenge because I am not afraid to be wrong. The problem I have with what you write about the fence drill is you probably do not know who uses it and who does not. Mike Epstein teaches it and I know he has good credentials, I have no idea who you have played for or learned from. Tell me how I can post a clip on this site? please.

Graylon