Posted by: Donny () on Sat Nov 11 06:04:01 2006

>Hello Jack

When I teach your principles and explain to others the message resonates better for me when I talk of rotation of the barrel around the hands at swing initiation. Pulling back with the fingers of the top hand ( even though it technically happens when you rotate the barrel and slot the elbow) loses people IMO

In other words, when we tip the barrel in prelaunch torque and think turn the barrel around with the hands as the shoulders turn then it all happens.

In my mind, the top hand is not concsciencely pulling backwards. I am using both hands to turn the barrel back on plane. It is hard to talk about hand action separately teaching a physical movement.

I totally agree in the principles and physics...you are correct

Linear is both hands going forward at swing initiation

Rotational is turning the barrel around which involves the top hands applying a pull force back. SO , I know it can be said at some point but not until I get it happening with other cues.

I think teaching it envolves AMPLIFYING the move with excessive prelaunch torque to the oppo gap....tipping the barrel forward and away from the body like Bonds.

The reverse path it must take and the resulting acceleration of the barrel into the back of the swing arc is seen and felt best for me. And YES..kids saw WOW!

The key to understanding THT( top hand action at swing initation is the key to learning to hit. Another key is how to set up THT with PLT. On balance I think the later is more important is teaching.

You know how long I have been doing this and even though I knew it was correct I can attest to the fact that it can take somebody hitting a ball using it correctly to buy in hook line and sinker.

I think BIG prelaunch torque is essential to understanding THT at all . Whether you chose to use it later is not as important as learning to EXPERIENCE the better ball flight quickly to keep them on task as they consider a change in their swing mechanics.

respectfully

Donny

Seeing 30 more feet with less effort is believing. And " seeing is believing" still.