Posted by: Mark H. () on Mon Sep 16 06:08:20 2002

Hi Brett:
> > >
> > > Jack is currently engaged in the final stages of preparing the New Instructional Video Tape/DVD and is spending his free time on that project. The new tape will contain a well-rounded discussion of batting mechanics, diagrams, and drills to help explain circular hand path, torque and the other concepts. In the DVD format, the video will have various chapters so that you can quickly review the topic of choice.
> > >
> > > In the meantime, review/study the current Instructional Tape(The Final Arc) and you will see a very clear explanation of bottom (and top) hand torque. (The "Final Arc" Instructional Tape contains a one hour discussion on batting mechanics and it takes time to fully understand all of the content in one viewing, unlike the "See the Ball - Hit the Ball" tapes). Torque is a major factor in producing the mechanics of a great hitter, so your time will be well spend.
> > >
> > > In addition, you may find the following sections of the website useful:
> > >
> > > Wrist Action or Torque
> > >
> > > Mechanics that Generate Bat Speed
> > >
> > > In the future, we may create a quick link section of prior discussion board posts so that you can review the important discussions regarding all facets of the swing.
> > >
> > > Brian
> > > BatSpeed.com
> >
> > I understand the general principles of torque. I understand that you say starting the swing towards the catcher will assist in having a circular hand path. What I do NOT understand is what I said in the above posts: (1) What specific technique or cue is used to pull the know of the bat towards the catcher (it is natural for a hitter to start the swing towards the ball, not the catcher) (2) what specifically is the difference in top hand torque and bottom hand torque?
> >
> > I do have the tape and answers to these questions are not clear to me. With all the time people have spent at this site recently putting people down, making snide remarks, etc, I am hoping more people will have time to give a serious response. While I appreciate the serious responses of RQL and Hitman, I am sorry, but even with their responses, the tape and the material you sited, I am just not clear. Please, someone help me!!!
>
> Brett, I sense that you are frustrated. I wish I could help you, but unfortunately I too do not have a clue as to what bottom hand torque is & the differences in that and top hand torque. As far as top hand torque is concerned, my interpretation of it is that it is the natural action of uncocking the bat. I am sure the regulars (Major Dan, S. Procito, Frank Jessup, et al can probably explain it to both of us. i have searched the site & viewed the tape several times, and I agree there could/should be some clarification. Come on, guys, what are you waiting for? Maybe if a serious dialog develops there will be less chance for some of the nonsense that has taken place recently.

These are the terms Jack came up with to try to describe what he saw happening in clips of MLB's swings. THT talks about the torque between the hands early in the swing (or even prior to shoulder rotation) when the bottom hand is essentially static with repect to the shoulder. BHT refers to the torque between the hands later in the swing when the front shoulder is pulling back toward the catcher, thus pulling the bottom hand back, thus the phrase bht. I too see what Jack is talking about on the clips. My only difference is, I think pre launch tht is less about adding batspeed and more about putting the bat in a place and with some movement that will optimize the hitter's ability to transfer rotational energy and, in the case of an outside pitch, adjust for location.

Mark H.