Posted by: () on Sun Feb 13 09:21:11 2000

Hi Curt
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> 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.
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> 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.
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> 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.
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> Jack Mankin
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>

Jack,

I understand your description of torque development throughout the swing (to contact) and your logic of using the punching bag to determine if mechanical problems exist. But if there are problems, are there also methods of instruction to correct the faults?

In your article on "Rise in Offense Stats - 1988 Research" you stated: the rise in offensive stats is due to a growing number of players who have mastered a type of swing mechanics that allow them to generate much greater bat speeds. If this is so, then there must be methods of instrucion, or have the players just evolved? I'm not trying to put you on the spot here, I'm just seeking answers.

I agree with your assesment on "linesr vs rotational" mechanics (when referring to the trunk), as I have also been teaching this for quite some time. But I have never heard of this concept about "hand torque" and find it very intriguing. As I said before, I understand what you have described above and am ready to discuss the initiation process. I think I understand this too, but would like more input from you.

In this article, you also stated that you devised a system whereby you identified 39 different swing characteristics and 12 different swing type classifications. Would you be willing to publish this information? If so, I would be eager to read about it.

What about the video? Can I get it? Will it help me understand your "hand torque" concepts and provide a method of instruction for teaching it?

Curt