Posted by: tom.guerry (tom.guerry@kp.org) on Fri Jun 15 09:26:19 2001

lunging." Keep in mind that the arcing of the hand-path should not start until forward movement of the shoulders has stopped. Some batters with longer strides may have a 3 or 4 inch "back to center" drift of their hips. But their shoulder-axis does not drift forward but in fact it is more likely to fade in the opposite direction. I have noted hitters (such as Barry Bonds) whose shoulder-axis faded 2 or 3 inches away from the pitcher during rotation. But most good hitters rotate their hips and shoulders around a stationary.
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> So Daniel, I agree with your observation that the hand-path is not a perfect circle. But the elongation you refer to is not caused from a forward drift of the axis. Rather, the back-forearm lowering from vertical to horizontal causes the elongation or added length. When the back-forearm is in the vertical position, the hands are at the armpit. But note how the hands extend (10 to 12 inches) as the forearm lowers.
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> Does the "back to center" drift of the hips (or weight shift) add to rotation? Many coaches whose opinions I hold in high regard are convinced it does. --- I think it is highly overvalued.
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> Jack Mankin
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Jack-
I believe the important thing is that Barry does fade his torso axis as part of applying bottom hand torque/hooking the hand path as he must on the inside pitches he prefers.