Posted by: tolson () on Thu Aug 23 11:32:25 2001

.(11) what happened to tim olson, the black hole lexicographer and steve t?..........................

I'm still here, still learning, and as usual will reappear when we are back to working inside. It's time for some real self-evaluation of my thoughts on swing mechanics. As happens every year, some things worked, and some things didn't: some samples....

--as much as I would like my son to pull better, he seems to be very much an "up-the-middle" and opposite field hitter. an almost sure way to get him out of slumps is in fact--hitting focus on opposite field.

--the mental focus of starting to swing on every pitch, and stopping yourself if it's not a good pitch seems to work when he starts to look too much (indecision)

--must keep from jumping at the ball--dead giveaway is a straightening of the rear leg. This causes topped balls because the head/eyes actually rise slightly. Focus on dropping into a flexed athletic position on the stride

Right now, I'm evaluating swing arc issues.....

to what extent the rear elbow should feel tucked into the side during the early part of the swing

to what extent the swing of a true power hitter (especially on an inside pitch) should have an arc-and whether the hands should feel as they are pulling the knob downward upon initiation. would this downward pull put in a desired arc, get the hands and bat level with the ball quicker, and help reduce the tendency to lunge and top the ball

on the other hand--does this reduce effectiveness with outside pitches, and result in too big of a loop/uppercut

essential, the argument between a golf-like arc in the swing, and a straighter path to the ball