Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sun Apr 1 18:06:55 2001

>>> I played for 15 years then I had what I thought was a career ending knee injury. Got into the gym and started lifting weights for the first time. I am stronger then I have ever been, was always 650 plus hitter, now my stride, swing is early and I am not getting a complete natural follow thru. Please respond with ideas and God Bless and Thank You. <<<

Hi Mark

In most cases the problems you describe are caused from the combination of relying to much on the arms to bring the bat-head and trying to meet the ball to far out in front of the plate. One cue that can help both problems is to place a playing card on your chest about where the breast pocket would be. In the launch position, bring the lead arm across the card. Tell yourself that you will not allow the card to drop before you make contact. This will cause you to let the ball come in deeper and you will need to use more body rotation.

Jack Mankin