Posted by: George () on Sat Jul 7 19:05:23 2007

> >>> I saw a short video that Tony Gwynn hosted on hitting tips. It seems he is using terminology that is common with linear hitting but what he is actually describing is more of the rotational theory on this site. He says the first move should be to bring your hands back--which is spot on with the "launch" position of rotational mechanics. However, he goes on to say that you should lead the bat through the strike zone with your front hand, let the ball get deep, and swing "through the ball." He also says at the point of contact that the palm of the back hand should be facing straight up. I am new to the theory of rotational hitting but it seems to me the palm would be up if the bat is going at a 10 to 15 degree upward trajectory, while commonly with "linear" mechanics, the palm will end up either down or facing the pitcher, which I am thinking causes the wrists to roll to early and costs the batter batspeed.
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> Anyone have any comments on what Gwynn said? Being that he hit .338 lifetime, I imagine there is merit to what he says. Am I correct in my assessment of rolling the wrists if the palm is not up? <<<
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> Hi Chris
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> I have read some of Tony’s statements regarding the swing that were promoting linear principles. But I find nothing in terminology you quoted I would not agree with. The bat could be though of as an extension of the lead-arm and therefore the lead-hand would “lead the bat through the strike zone.” – You are correct, many linear coaches do promote a “down-slope” of the bat in the contact zone and that can lead to the wrist rolling prematurely. I am not sure what position Tony has on “hit down on the ball.”
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> Jack Mankin


Chris. Though none of us would doubt Tony Gwynn's contribution to the game, he was content to hit the upper part of the ball and for the most part, not pull the ball. Rotational hitting in itself is more geared toward pulling the ball. In today's game we see rotational hitters using the whole field. But that is more because hitters today do not have the confidence to crowd the plate. And pitcher's similarly don't have the confidence to throw inside enough.

Pitcher's actually make enough mistakes to allow pull hitters to flourish. And when you consider the number of hitters who are allowed to strike out over 120 times a year and be considered great is also clear why a contact hitter could still have success and help his team win games. Imagine if Gwynn was a number 3, 4, or 5 hitter in todays game. He could easily knock in 100 runs with a decent number one or two hitter on his team. This is because he only struck out around 35 times a season.