Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Fri Jan 13 13:04:15 2006

>>> What exactly was Lau's teachings??

Lau didn't go into the details that we do, but one thing he had right was the evils of a powerful top hand. When I read Lau (Sr), I get the feeling he's talking more about the over-all approach to hitting. We do not know exactly how he went about teaching his ten absolutes, except in his writings he was concerned about the over-all approach.

I think he did down play the role of hips in his writings somewhat and in a video by him I saw. Although we don't know exactly how he approached it with hitters.

There are some things I agree with Lau on and some things I don't. We need a good clear clip of Brett to determine which parts of Lau's teachings are present. For example did he have rythym in both the stance and the swing, did he go back before going forward, did he shift the weight forward toward the pitcher, etc., etc.,. <<<

Hi Shawn

Last night I reviewed Lau’s “The Winning Hitter.” I agree with you that he wrote mostly on the approach to hitting and little on the mechanics of the swing. I thought he presented conflicting views on the role of the top-hand. In one area he spoke of the ills of a powerful top-hand. Then he went on to say in another area that the top-hand drives while the bottom-hand guides.

His main departure from rotational transfer mechanics is his contention that the hands should lead while the hips remain closed until just before contact. Below is an excerpt from his book.

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“Your stride begins by stepping and placing your lead foot on the ball of the foot. You bring the bat to the launch position as you plant your front leg firmly and shift you weight forward from the back-leg to your front leg. The internal movement you had in your stance makes this weight shift easier and more effective. In fact, it’s so effective it makes your rear foot start to leave the ground. Your hips remain closed, which means you avoid pulling this powerful trigger until just the right moment.

With your front leg rigid and firm and most of your weight now on top of this “platform,” your hips start to open as you bring the bat through.”
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All of the clips he used in his book showed the hands leading and limited hip rotation by contact.

Jack Mankin