Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Fri Jun 2 07:46:10 2006

>>> Reviewing the following clip of Dunn - http://www.youthbaseballcoaching.com/mpg/dunn_adam1.mpeg - , we can see that in his launch position, his elbow is about shoulder level in reference to his axis but not in reference to the ground. That is about the lead-arm position I advocate when using a playing card. – “The lead-elbow-arm-hands and bat should always be in the same plane during the swing.” <<<

Hi Bond1

Understanding the nature of the “swing plane” is a key component to understanding good swing mechanics. However, trying to visualize the swing plane from the written word is tough to say the least (I will place below a 2003 post where I describe it with words). They say a picture is worth a thousand words and Paul Nyman’s animated clip of the swing plane makes that abundantly clear.

We all owe Paul our congratulations for a job well done. You can find the clip in a discussion at - http://baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=41554 . Although this clip shows the batter swinging with only the lead-arm, it should be pointed out that the plane should remain the same with the top-hand on the bat. In fact, I found that many (if not most) of the best hitter’s batting slumps occur when forces applied by the top-hand alter their normal swing plane.

Note: I have asked our webmaster to develop a clip adding the plane disc to the batter in our “Swing Mechanics” page. We hope to have it online later this month.

Jack Mankin
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Posted by: Jack Mankin (mrbatspeed@aol.com) on Thu Aug 28 23:04:29 2003

Question/Comment:

>>> First time posting. Followed discussions for couple years. Purchased Final Arc II about three months ago.

Situation: HS coach told my son to drive his front elbow "down and in." Now he has a downward bat plane as he makes contact with ball.

Question: What is proper position of front elbow in launch position, as back elbow enters slot, and as shoulders turn for contact? Equally important, how do I describe this to me son? Are there any drills that will help him get front arm in right place? <<<

Jack Mankin's reply:

Hi dmaddox:

Think of the plane of the swing as being a flat disc that is tilted down toward the plate so as to intersect the path of the ball in the contact zone. The bat, lead-arm and shoulders should all be in that plane from initiation to contact. You may have the bat more vertical while in your stance, but the bat must drop into the plane of the lead-arm when shoulder rotation begins.

Since the shoulders are rotating on a tilted plane (not horizontal to the ground), the back-shoulder will begin (from the inward turn position) higher and rotate to a lower position as the lead-shoulder starts lower and is rotating upward. You should not have to think about lowering the back-shoulder, it should happen automatically as you rotate if your launch position is correct.

Keeping the lead-arm (including the elbow) in the plane of the swing is an absolute MUST. That means the lead-elbow MUST always remain pointing into the plane of the swing. If the lead-elbow lowers (or drops) down out of the plane before contact -- the swing is ruined. The wrist will start to roll too soon and the bat-head will come out of the intended plane. This will normally cause inconsistent contact and usually results in weak grounders or pop-ups.

Jack Mankin