Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sun Jun 9 20:49:23 2002

>>> Mike Espstein speaks in terms of "weathervaning" to match the plane of the swing the plane of the pitch, using the back leg. You might check out some of his articles (or video): <<<

Hi Scott

I do not agree with Epstein’s "weathervaning" cue. I believe it can lead a batter into some real problems. If the lead-elbow works down on a high pitch, the batter is in a heap of trouble. Below is a post I made earlier concerning his concept.

“Hi Tom

In your post you stated; “Swinging on plane is well addressed by Epsteins cues on how to work the front elbow at and after launch.” --- I have real trouble understanding Epstein’s “weathervaning” cue for developing the correct swing plane.

I have stressed in my video, that the lead-elbow MUST always stay in the plane of the swing. If the elbow and bat are not in the same plane, the swing loses power and consistency of contact. Therefore, if the pitch were higher (higher swing plane), the elbow would also move to a higher plane. Obviously for a lower pitch, the swing plane and elbow would move lower. But Epstein’s “weathervaning” cue seems to teach something quite different. He states; ---

“When the hitter is able to match the plane of his swing to the plane of the pitch, his lead elbow works in an approximate 6" slot: if the pitch is perceived as "down," the lead elbow works up in the slot. If the pitch is perceived as up, the lead elbow makes the adjustment and works down. The weathervaning of the lead elbow allows this to happen. The proper swing allows for dynamic adjustment.”

Why would you have a cue that tells the batter to work his lead-elbow down on high pitches and up on lower pitches? “

Jack Mankin