Posted by: Giant Fan () on Mon Oct 29 08:56:30 2001

>>> The real issue is your vehement disagreement with the idea of "throwing the bat at the ball", even though there are major leaguers (who are not "linear") who apply this concept. I answered your question so why can't you answer mine? I repeat: "Once the stride has been completed and enertia has been overcome, whether you simply think "swing" (what else could you think)or you think "throw bat", hips, hands, everything is moving together more or less as a unit." Do you agree or disagree with this statement? And if you want, strike the "and enertia has been overcome" part so as to not get sidetracked. <<<
> > >
> > > Hi Fan
> > >
> > > The tone and reasoning process used in your writing has a familiar ring to it. --- You, like the writer with your demeanor, have misrepresented my positions on batting theory. Show where you find that I “vehemently opposed” the concept surrounding ‘throwing the bat-head.’ I am vehemently opposed to the concept of ‘throw your hands at the ball.’ Those two concepts require completely different types of swing mechanics. – Do you understand the difference?
> > >
> > > Jack Mankin
> > >
> >
> > I apologize for having jumped to conclusions. I had associated your disdain for the "throw the hands" concept with disdain for "throwing the bathead". I think I understand the difference between the two concepts. Throwing the hands, in my view could lead to hands leading, which I believe is not good. But "throwing the bathead", if done properly is good.
> >
> > I would appreciate it, though if you would explain the differences in the two concepts, and explain specifically your view of "throwing the BATHEAD". I have a feeling that in the end we are probably in agreement. Again, sorry I misrepresented your views and now I would appreciate clarification on "throwing the bathead" concept. Thank you
>
> If I may jump into this discussion, I have learned quite a bit about throwing/pitching as well as hitting over the last few years.
> One of the key mechanical issues is when the arm is released in relation to shoulder turn, hip turn, etc. In effect, hips open, shoulders turn through transfer mechanics, arm is thrown out of the shoulder turn whipping the ball.
> Correctly done, the arm is thrown and the ball released. Incorrectly, the arm throws the ball. This disconnects the arm from the shoulder turn too early and loses too much of the energy passed through transfer mechanics to the shoulder turn.
> Why do I mention this?
> Is it possible that pushing the hands in a swing is like throwing the arm (pushing the ball); and that turning the shoulders and allowing the bat to release into contact is like using the body to throw the arm in a pitch?
> In other words, there is a good way and a bad way to throw the bat into contact. Done incorrectly, the bat is thrown by throwing the hands - pushing the arms. Done correctly, the bat is thrown out of the shoulder turn.
> If this analogy is true, then the words 'throw the bat' mean two different things. THat could cause much confusion as both linear and rotational hitters use the same words to mean very different
mechanics.

Jack, I will study Major's post. It seems like a reasonable response. But in the meantime, I would appreciate it if you, in your own words would also respond to my last post. I answered your question & furthermore I apologized for apparently having put words in your mouth. But you implied that you do accept the notion of throwing the bathead as opposed to throwing the hands and all I am asking is that you provide your analysis of the two different concepts.