Posted by: () on Fri Apr 26 14:30:25 2002

Hi Chip,
> >
> > Well, first of all, I don't have Dusty's book. I loaned my SECOND copy out (loaned the 1st copy out last season, never got it back, and I never learn!), and haven't seen it in a while. So, we're relying on my poor memory here.
> >
> > Second, as I recall from his book (which I still think is excellent and well organized, overall), he is an advocate of a "swing down", "inside-out", etc. school of thought. But, I'd sure wouldn't want to be guilty of mis-quoting him (or mis-characterizing what he teaches), and I just don't have the "hard copy" documentation at the moment. I hope that I'll get it back in a few weeks, and will then readdress this issue with verbatim quotes.
> >
> > In fact, I have a half dozen books on hitting, and while all of them ephasize hip rotation, and all have some unique material in them, most are about 70% redundant, and they all teach what Jack calls "linear" hitting mechanics. That's one reason I put so much time into studying hitting mechanics in the past couple of months. You don't pull a "180 degree" turn on your kids (and the players you coach) without knowing for absolute certain what you're getting into. I stopped coaching hitting, and "went to school", which is a problem, because the team isn't hitting, and badly needs a hitting coach.
> >
> > I wish I could afford to pick up Mike Epstein's videos, and compare them with what Jack M. teaches. But I've spent several thousand $$$ on equipment, books, and other aids in the past year, and my wife objects just a bit. I'll have to wait a while. The kids aren't all that much better on the diamond, but boy-oh-boy, is "Dad" getting an education.
> >
> > Regards.. Scott
>
> Wives... don't they understand that what we're doing is not spending, but rather INVESTING? I think Mikes's drills will definitely fix the swingin' and swayin' and disconnections that the young guy (cj's son) on Setpro exhibited- or, for that matter, those exhibited by Jalbert and others who have shown clips there. I think they're foundational in nature.
> >

I have both Jacks tape and Epsteins and both are good. Though I personally would have to give the nod to Epsteins on the art of teaching hitting .. Both have made intensive studies and both believe in rotational mechanics with possibly a few differences of getting into that position. From postings its also apparent that both have helped alot of people become much better hitters as well as setpro info.

Neither set of tapes are quite what I expected as far as hitting drills are concerned but are nice to add to your hitting library.
I hope jacks next tape is more focused on rotational hitting drills.

According to Epstein .. The great hitters ( rotational) all have their own natural style before the pitch ,some hands high , feet close, etc.. but when the pitch comes there is a common demoniator that all have. And that is getting into the rotational launch/torque position. Which he shows ... and also how to teach the position and things to look for ...

Jack does great work , lots of info. but not forgetting Epstein has been there , talked to , and learned from the best and apparently has had great success in his teachings for 20 yrs or so ...

I wish we could get Jack ... Epstein .. as well as Setpro ... together to listen to a discussion/debate on hitting.