Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sun Aug 25 01:54:36 2002

>>> I hear a lot of talk about inward turn as well as "scap" loading. I am of the opinion that the inward turning of the hips is not nearly important as the simple act of taking the hands back while shifting more weight to the back foot. I would especially like to hear from your Guru of Hitting himself, Bart. Thanks <<<

Hi Phil

Until your Guru responds, here are a few thoughts from a second-stringer. --- As the premise of your question suggests, loading (or preparing the launch position) for linear transfer mechanics is quite different than it is for rotational mechanics.

Note: Phil, the hips are not turned during the “inward turn” as you stated. The hips remain fairly still. It is the shoulders and hands that rotate away 20 to 30 degrees (in relationship to the hips). This separation (or twist) loads the torso muscles and brings the hands into the proper launch position for the rotational swing.

The linear hitter has little need for the “inward turn”, “separation” or “flex in the lead-knee” at foot-plant. He thinks in terms of “You must go back in order to go forward.” So, as you say, he would “take the hands back while shifting more weight to the back foot.” He has been taught that bat speed is developed like the “cracking of a whip.” He believes that by shifting weight toward the pitcher and quickly extending his hands (A to B), the bat-head will come snapping through. Tests, however, have proven that theory to be false.

The rotational hitter understands that “body rotation around a stationary axis” not “weight transfer” is the true energy for the swing. Therefore, he will have flex in the lead-knee at foot-plant and help drive rotation by straightening that leg (as Alan pointed out). The rotational batter should have no thought of extending his hands during initiation. He should keep his hands back and allow shoulder rotation to accelerate the hands into a circular path.

There are many other differences, one being top-hand mechanics, between linear and rotational principles, and a mission of this site is to point out those differences. Phil, it is obvious from your posts that you believe in linear principles. However, I would like to hear your thoughts (or one of your Guru’s) on what constitutes good batting mechanics. --- Why do you believe that linear principles are superior to rotational?

Jack Mankin