Bat Speed -- Baseball Hitting Forum

Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sat Jul 29 11:32:25 2006

>>> Jack,
I just finsihed posting some of the things our coach teaches. From what I have learned rotational mechanics, if not perfected, results include reduced plate coverage(outside) as well as a tendency to roll over and create topspin.

Our coach emphasized weight transfer from a rigid back side to a firm front side. As for the hands, we are taught to pull the knob to the ball. He also teaches a high one-handed finish. <<<

Hi Daniel

I have no doubt that your coach has your best interest at heart and is teaching you the batting principles he was taught. Therefore, I am sure he believes in the ills of rotational mechanics you described. When he emphasizes transferring your weight from a rigid back side to a firm front side, that does facilitate pulling the knob to the ball. Your coach, like so many others, were taught that once a batter has transferred their weight forward and the hands has extended the knob at the ball, there will be a “Whip” effect that accelerates the bat to contact.

Daniel, the problem is, what your coach was taught does not actually occur. There is no “whipping action” of the bat-head that occurs from extending the knob straight to the ball. As you are extending the knob, the bat-head is left trailing behind your hands well into the swing. Your weight shift and rotation has by now been nearly expended and you are left with nothing but the muscles in your arm to drive your top-hand past your bottom-hand (torque) to bring the bat-head around.

Here is a clip - http://www.batspeed.com/media/WhipHigh.wmv – that demonstrates what I have been discussing with you. I am certain that a video analysis of the best hitters in your league would reveal that regardless of what they are being taught, their hands take a more circular path than the less productive hitters.

But Daniel, even if you eventually decide changes in your mechanics could benefit your batting performance, it would be most difficult to make those changes without positive reinforcement from your coach. – I wish you the best whatever you decide.

Jack Mankin

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> >>> Jack,
> I just finsihed posting some of the things our coach teaches. From what I have learned rotational mechanics, if not perfected, results include reduced plate coverage(outside) as well as a tendency to roll over and create topspin.
> 
> Our coach emphasized weight transfer from a rigid back side to a firm front side. As for the hands, we are taught to pull the knob to the ball. He also teaches a high one-handed finish. <<<
> 
> Hi Daniel 
> 
> I have no doubt that your coach has your best interest at heart and is teaching you the batting principles he was taught. Therefore, I am sure he believes in the ills of rotational mechanics you described. When he emphasizes transferring your weight from a rigid back side to a firm front side, that does facilitate pulling the knob to the ball. Your coach, like so many others, were taught that once a batter has transferred their weight forward and the hands has extended the knob at the ball, there will be a “Whip” effect that accelerates the bat to contact. 
> 
> Daniel, the problem is, what your coach was taught does not actually occur. There is no “whipping action” of the bat-head that occurs from extending the knob straight to the ball. As you are extending the knob, the bat-head is left trailing behind your hands well into the swing. Your weight shift and rotation has by now been nearly expended and you are left with nothing but the muscles in your arm to drive your top-hand past your bottom-hand (torque) to bring the bat-head around. 
> 
> Here is a clip -  http://www.batspeed.com/media/WhipHigh.wmv – that demonstrates what I have been discussing with you. I am certain that a video analysis of the best hitters in your league would reveal that regardless of what they are being taught, their hands take a more circular path than the less productive hitters. 
> 
> But Daniel, even if you eventually decide changes in your mechanics could benefit your batting performance, it would be most difficult to make those changes without positive reinforcement from your coach. – I wish you the best whatever you decide. 
> 
> Jack Mankin

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