Posted by: MB () on Mon Jun 11 17:32:23 2001

I'm probably getting hung up on definitions, but I need some clarification on the premise that great hitters "pull the bat with their top hand back toward the catcher at the start of the swing". This doesn't make any sense if the definition of "pull" is to move an object closer to the axis of the body and "push" is to move it away. I'm trying to visualize the scenario where the bathead is either vertical or pointing toward the pitcher, swing initiation begins with the top hand beginning the arc that takes the bathead back toward the catcher before continuing around toward the plate. Is this right? There seems to be an inconsistency with the concept that the torso initiates the swing and the top/bottom hand torque comes later with that of the "initiation" of the swing beginning with the top hand. I plan on ordering the video, although I prefer books with photo sequences for study. Is there a published series of photos/drawings along with a written description of rotational mechanics out there anywhere? Thanks, Daniel

Daniel,
If you look at clips or videos of the great powers hitters you will notice hand action at the beginning of the swing. The barrel of the bat actually will be moving toward the pitcher before the top hand torques (snaps) the barrel of the bat back to the catcher. THT is not so much a power move but rather a finesse move that creates early bat speed in the swing.