Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Tue Jan 3 18:01:59 2006

>>> How does a hitter develop greater hand speed in relation to swinging a baseball bat? Are there specific drills that can be done? <<<

Hi Scot

Welcome to the site -- Keep in mind that hand speed does not come from the hands. They can only grip the bat and cannot move themselves. Neither should it come from a quick extension of the arms. In a high level swing, most of the hand speed comes from the angular displacement rate of the forearms which is mainly supplied from shoulder rotation. That is why the hands should stay back and allow shoulder rotation to fling them around to the contact zone.

Jack Mankin