Posted by: Larry H. () on Sat Oct 18 06:42:30 2008

Hi Jack,

What I mean by "loading up" is getting to the "launch position" as shown in your videos/website. In other words, the pre-launch mechanics and the proper Launch position. ("Lead-shoulder is now fully shrugged and pointed in the direction of the second baseman. The lead arm is across chest and the hands have been pulled to the back-shoulder. The back-elbow has reached its highest elevation and started downward. The bat-head is sweeping behind the batter's head into the swing plane.") The kids' trainer is teaching them to keep their hands, arms, elbows, and take no stride. They are just taught that their launch position is to rock or lean back only right before the pitch. It would appear to me that the only way this could work is if the kid's hands/arms/elbows start in the appropriate "launch position". That seems a lot to expect for young 9 and 10 year old kids though. I haven't seen any of the kids start or get their hands into the proper Launch Position so I don't believe they will be able to maximize Top-Hand-Torque

Thanks,

Larry

> >>> Hi Jack,
>
> I have been battling some parents who's kids are going to a specific trainer. The trainer is telling them that the kid's should not be "loading up" into the launch position they way you teach. The trainer is having the kids keep their hands and feet still until they initiate the swing. I've tried explaining that their kids are losing quite a bit of batspeed and power, but they don't seem to understand that. Any suggestions? <<<
>
> Hi Larry
>
> I am not sure what he means by “loading up.” It would be helpful if you could you explain the problem he has with how I teach batters to prepare a good launch position. I am not in favor of the batter remaining static in the box waiting for the pitch. I like the batter to have a rhythmic movement to launch to match the rhythm of the pitcher’s windup and release. Some may start with their hands low, some high while others keep their hands close to the launch position. Where they start with their hands is fine with me as long as the hands are in the correct position when shoulder rotation is initiated. -- I am also not sure if the trainer teaches “no stride” or has some other reason keeping the feet still.
>
> Jack Mankin