Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Wed Feb 1 21:36:24 2006

>>> Coach Jack,
What do you mean by "upper body transfer mechanics"? I think this is an are I need to better understand because when I take swings with what I feel is similar rotational energy from my hips, some balls seem to come off the bat much hotter than others. Even with the Swing Mate, I'll take two swings that I feel are very similar, but the speed will be 3-5 mph different. <<<

Hi Andrew

I will address your questions regarding the SwingMate and THT in another thread. – Transfer mechanics basically refers to the forces that are applied through the hands to the handle of the bat to induce bat-head acceleration. Efficient transfer mechanics require - (1) Setting up the correct launch position. (2) Keeping the hands back at the shoulders during initiation and allowing rotation to fling the hands into a CHP. (3) The top-hand applying force at the handle that works with the natural tendency of the bat-head to first rotate rearward (THT). (4) Applying torque (push/pull action of the hands) that works with, rather than distorting, the pendulum effect of the CHP (BHT).

Andrew, this is obviously just a brief description. And, as I am sure you and many others can attest to, there are many pitfalls to overcome in perfecting them. Keep in mind as you practice – Once initiated, a ballistic motion produces trajectories that can be changed only at its margins. - Therefore, if the swing is initiated with incorrect forces, the balance of the swing will be an exercise in compensation.

Jack Mankin