Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Thu Sep 2 21:01:07 2010

Hi All

The Discussion Board has now been active for over 10 years. During that time we have debated almost every aspect of swing mechanics. Since this site was the first to present a "Rotational Swing Model," almost every thread was dedicated to challenging the mechanical principles of this model.

When the Board opened in 1999, even the most basic of these rotational principles, "Stationary Axis of Rotation" was strongly opposed. But this was mild compared to what was said regarding the Model's transfer mechanics that converted the body's rotational energy into bat speed -- a "Circular Hand Path (CHP)" & "Torque" (BHT - push/pull of the forearms).

However, what brought forth the most vigorous (or vicious) opposition was THT (Top-Hand-Torque). Although the term was just a 'shorthand' way of referring to a mechanic used by the top hitters to accelerate the bat-head rearward, the very mention of the term seemed to stir up a very negative reaction.

In the earlier days of trying to explain THT, we did not have video clips of the swing available on site (like the one below) to show the bat-head's (or top-hand's) rearward trajectory. Added to that, most think of the swing as only a forward movement and have trouble visualizing the top-hand applying a rearward force.

PLT & THT Mechanics

After reviewing different Boards the past couple of years, I noted that some of those that most vigorously opposed THT now teach its concepts to their students -- of course, giving it a different name for obvious reasons.

Actually, my reason for writing this post was to address another mechanical concept I often found on these Boards. The concept basically states that the power for the swing comes from 'hip rotation' and the shoulders play little, or no, role in transferring that power to the bat.

This site believes that concept is bio-mechanically impossible. The linkage to the bat (the arms) is connected at the shoulders -- not the hips. The main contribution of 'hip rotation' is to induce a stronger 'shoulder rotation'. --- I would like to hear anyone's thoughts that believe energy from 'hip rotation' can effect the bat's acceleration while the shoulders are held static.

Jack Mankin