Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sat Mar 3 02:22:19 2007

>>> Jack,

Could the concept of torque be relevant here? Maybe it's the difference?

With a pitcher, torque isn't an option since you've only got one hand on the ball.

But with a hitter, torque is possible since you've got two hands on the bat. Could it be that the torque provided by the hands, wrists, and arms allow you to get away with a slightly less efficient movement pattern when it comes to the torso?

I have to say that, up to this point I have thought that you were wrong about the concept of torque (I thought the whip just happened automatically), but now I'm not so sure... <<<

Hi Chris

Yes, I think your assessment is correct. Having two hands on the bat means torque can be applied. But I do the think torque promotes less efficient torso movement considering the much increased load the inertia of a 34 inch 31 ounce bat compared to a 5 ounce ball. I would say that when throwing a ball, there is more hip/shoulder separation for higher speed “ whip” of the one arm.

I have often wondered, to overcome the much greater load placed on shoulder rotation when torquing a bat with two hands, would this require keeping the hip/torso relationship in a lower-geared (less separation) mode.

I am glad you are rethinking the torque issue. Understanding how torque is applied in the swing is key to understanding swing mechanics. – Here is a clip where I explain torque and how it is applied in the swing. -- http://www.batspeed.com/media/TorqueHigh.wmv

I would appreciate your thoughts

Jack Mankin