Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sun Dec 28 11:20:31 2008

>>> Jack, You state that rear slotted arm remain slotted until after contact.How important then is Power v and full extension? I find trying to teach extension after contact to be rather difficult if elbow remains slotted after contact.Can you explain your take on power v and full extension? Thanks <<<

Hi Coach Dad

Your question points to some of the misconceptions regarding swing mechanics. It has been a long held linear belief that maximum bat speed and power occurs when the arms become fully extended. However, video analysis shows something very different. As I discuss in a Truisms & Fallacies article, "Get Your Arms Extended", on well-hit balls, the back-elbow is still back at the batter's side at contact. The back-arm does not reach extension until the ball has left the bat and is well on its way.

This is an important batting principle and I will develop a video clip that addresses it asap.

Jack Mankin