Posted by: grc () on Tue Feb 26 20:28:39 2002

>>> Jack,
> > If the hand-path is wider on an outside pitch, do you sacrifice power? <<<
> >
> > Hi Somebody
> >
> > Taking a wider hand-path with linear extension mechanics does definitely reduce bat speed and power. But good rotational hitters experience much less reduction. They add additional top-hand-torque at initiation to make up for the lack of bottom-hand-torque applied at contact.
> >
> > Jack Mankin
> >
> Jack, doesn't the bathead have to be behind the hands slightly to hit the ball the other way? Or is it so slight that you should only focus on top hand torgue to widen the hanpath and hit the outside pitch?


matt.....i know jack, tom, major dan et al will disagree with me, but in my opinion, yes!!! yes, the hands should be slightly ahead of the bathead to hit the ball away....reason: because the optimal spot to contact the outside pitch is the INSIDE of the ball, so the only way to angle the bat so as to hit the inside part of the ball is to get hands ahead of bathead......

it would be nice if schmidt's theories would get more attention....

respectfully, grc....