Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sat Feb 12 14:36:57 2000

Hi Curt

Teaching torque mechanics in the cage or even with dry swings is very difficult. You can’t tell if the batter was in the correct position at contact or not. I have found it is far better to have the batter expend the bat’s energy into a heavy bag (I use a 75 lb. punching bag). At contact all rotation and torque energies should have been expended. Therefor, without a follow-through, the body and limbs should be in the relaxed stationary mode. If the shoulders or hands are still moving (driving), I know he has a problem with his mechanics and timing.

At contact the back forearm should be horizontal and pointing at the pitcher (“L” position). Torque is developed very much the same as rowing a boat. The back hand serves as the “oar lock.” The lead shoulder, arm and hand pull the knob end of the bat around the back hand ( See “Wrist action or Torque”). This action accelerates the bat head into the bag.

Curt, I hope this makes some sense. It was so much easier showing it on the video.--- We can discuss initiating the swing with torque later.

Jack Mankin