Posted by: chip () on Mon Apr 29 14:09:22 2002

I've read about this on WEBBALL before, and it sounds interesting. It seems like a great way to mechanically "force" a batter to keep his hands back as long as possible in the swing.
> >
> > On the other hand, I see no way of generating top-hand torque at launch, using this technique. If the top hand is going to pull the bat in the circular hand-path arc that Jack advocates, it's going to have to happen early in the swing, while the hips are opening. The back hand especially needs to remain back to provide a stationary axis for the top hand to torque against. If you leave the bathead on the shoulder seam at the start of the swing, the bottom and top hands will move forward together (albeit later in the swing).
> >
> > I just don't see any way to develop good top-hand torque using this method, although the hitter may realize better communication of the shoulder rotational torque to the bat this way. Perhaps it compensates for the loss in top-hand torque.
> >
> > Regards.. Scott
> >
> > PS: My daughter still can't hit or generate batspeed over 40mph. I'm about to go find a "real" coach for her, 'cause "Dad" just isn't getting the job done. We may try this technique for her; we've tried everything else.
>
> Scott-
> I think this technique is a learning tool to connect the arms/hands/bat to the shoulder turn. You can't use tht or scapula loading or anything else from this position.
> But it is a good starting point and once understood/felt/learned the hitter can add the proper loading before the swing, etc.

I went back and looked at the article again and it does deviate from some rotational principles. It mentions that a hitter inititates the swing by rotating the rear shoulder toward the ball, as opposed to rotating the hips (upon dropping of the heel) and having the shoulders/hands following. Also seems to espouse a level-to-the-ground swing as opposed to level-with-the-pitch. Still, a lot of kids could do worse, espcially with a rotational tweak or two. (Followed by the eventual acquisition of loading technique.)