Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sun Jan 23 00:25:52 2000

Hi Reed

You stated >>>I must disagree on straightening the lead arm at the beginning of the swing. If it is slightly bent you will have a shorter path to the ball and a more compact quicker swing<<<

Reed, what you just stated is just not true. It is a fallacy that has been repeated so often that most coaches take it as a truism. --- A bent lead elbow results in a straightened path of the hands. A straighter hand-path generates less angular displacement of the bat. Therefor, with a bent lead elbow, the hands must be extended further before the bat head comes through. --- With an angular hand-path, the hands travel about 20 to 22 inches to contact. They are extended 24 to 26 inches to contact with a straighter path.

I would agree that a slight bend might occur as the swing is initiated. But this is because of the inertia offered by the bat and not to have �a shorter path to the ball.� The arm should be fairly straight by mid swing.

>>> Casting isn't good either <<<

Why do so many coaches assume a straight lead arm will always result in �casting?� Reed, It�s another fallacy that has been made a truism.

Jack Mankin