Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Wed Oct 21 14:36:04 2009

>>> I have listened to most of both dvd's so far..my son has listened to the theory part of Final Arc & the first 1/2 hour of the analysis..

I really don't see (understand) "the hook" in the hand path..not exactly sure what to look for there..also..I video tape my son during practice in our yard and the swing plane is somewhat planar....I'm thinking the best way to address that is to be sure his bat and lead arm are aligned at the launch position....no? <<<

Hi Phil

I am placing below three video clips that might help you understand the "hook" in the hand-path concept. Basically, the hook refers to the bottom-hand being pulled rearward as the bat approaches contact. The bottom-hand being pulled rearward as the top-head is being driven forward (torque) is what really accelerates the bat to contact.

Getting the bottom-hand to be pulled rearward requires two conditions. (1) The lead-shoulder must continue to rotate through contact. (2) The bend in the lead-elbow must remain constant from the initiation of rotation through contact. Starting with a box in the lead-elbow and allowing the arm to straighten results in both hands moving forward approaching contact. This produces a straighter hand-path (less pendulum effect) and much less torque to accelerate the bat.

Rose - Hook in Hand-Path w/ BHT

Burrell & Bonds - BHT Mechanics

Good & Bad - BHT

In 2007, I reviewed the swings of over 400 college players. I found from plotting the trajectory of their lead-elbows (as in the "Good & Bad - BHT" clip) that there was a direct correlation between the rearward pull of the elbow and the player's batting performance.

I think it would be helpful if I analyze a clip of a batter's mechanics that does not produce the "hook."

Mechanics that produce no “Hook”

The video clip above illustrates inefficient swing mechanics. The clips below show the trajectories of the elbows that maximizes bat speed.

4 Good Hitters – Lead-Arm

4 Good Hitters – Back-Arm

Jack Mankin