Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Fri Jul 20 13:29:09 2007

>>> How do you explain the importance of knocking knuckles being aligned for slow pitch softball hitting, when the batter is a base hitter. Is it because a knocking knuckle grip increases bat speed which increases the type of ball that is hit? I need help convincing someone on this topic. <<<

Hi Mel

Welcome to the site. -- When we describe the alignment of the knuckles, we should also consider what effect that alignment has on the wrists and forearms during the swing. When the batter keeps the wrist fairly straight, the lining up of the middle knuckles cause the forearms to be separated by only 15 to 30 degrees.

This 15 to 30 degree angle between the forearms is fine for a good contact position. The angle also presents little problem in the launch position for batters who initiate the swing with the back-elbow lowered to their side. However, what about batters who elevate the elbow 70 to 90 degrees up from their side? This launch position has the forearms separated 120 to 150+ degrees.

Obviously, if the middle knuckles are kept aligned, each wrist must be flexed (or abducted) 50+ degrees to allow the forearms to separate 130+degrees. – In conclusion, we want the wrist straight at contact with a small angle separating the forearm. To maintain the same knuckle alignment and still accommodate the elevated elbow, the batter must allow the wrist the flex and un-flex during the swing (ala Barry Bonds).

Most batters however, choose to keep the wrist straighter and allow the top-hand to rotate around the handle to accommodate the elevated elbow. By keeping a loose grip, the top-hand can rotate back to a good position (middle knuckles more aligned) at contact.

Jack Mankin