Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Wed Oct 29 15:08:30 2008

>>> Why do you always think that when you focus on lower body mechanics means that you are for linear mechanics? You even say that the the purpose of the hips are to assist shoulder rotation but in order for shoulder rotation to not be restricted by slower hip rotation the hips and torso must be rotating ahead of shoulder rotation. This is still rotational hitting and since the most powerful lower body mechanics require the back foot to leave the ground then this woud be the greatest way to assist the shoulders rotation.

Without lower body mechanics begin effective and efficient the upper body can not be as efficient since the swing begins at the feet and works its way up.<<<

Hi Dave

As you point out, I do understand the importance of good lower-body mechanics. However, depending on the type of upper-body mechanics being taught, I do find a difference in how most coaches teach lower-body mechanics. As an example, coaches that teach getting the arms extended at contact seem to favor mechanics that drives the back-hip around a posted lead-hip (like a gate swinging).

This mechanic may work well for coaches that believe in getting the arms extended at contact. Using the push of the back-leg (as Torrent describes) to drive the back-side forward would aid in extending ‘both’ arms and hands. On the other hand, with rotational transfer principles, extending a boxed lead-elbow greatly reduces power for the swing. Rather than having the bottom-hand being extended forward, it must be ‘pulling rearward’ approaching contact to maximize torque and bat speed. The pulling rearward of the bottom-hand comes from the rotation of the lead-shoulder pulling back toward the catcher. Therefore a bent lead elbow ‘must’ remain bent rather than being extended. Also, to maximize the rearward rotation of the lead-shoulder at contact requires different lower-body mechanics than what Torrent describes.

I will place below a post (with video) from the Archives that addresses the importance of having the bottom-hand (and forearm) being pulled rearward approaching contact.

BHT & The Lead-Arm --


Jack Mankin