Posted by: Matt () on Sun Jan 6 20:32:14 2002

Is top hand torque basically getting the bathead level before you start the swing, while using shoulder rotation to initiate the swing instead of thrusting the hands foward.

From my understanding, Top Hand Torque is pulling back toward the catcher with the top hand while the bottom hand stays stationary. This causes the bat to arc in a circle back toward the catcher. Once the back arm reaches the side the rotation of the lead shoulder pulls the lead arm around back towards the catcher while the top hand stays stationary(Bottom Hand Torque).
So in my opinion Top Hand Torque keeps the top hand from thrusting forward and utilizes the rotation of the body to arc the bathead around in a circular path.In using this rotational energy for power you must keep the hands from thrusting forward and let rotation alone bring the bathead around. This action requires large muscles of the legs, hips, back, and shoulders.While thrusting the hands forward wastes this rotional energy and leaves you only small, intricate muscles like the hands, wrists, and forearms for the swing. Relying on small muscle groups gives the swing a tense, jerky look. However if you keep your hands back and use the body's rotation to bring the bat head around, the swing will look smooth and in powerful. I hope I answered your question.