Posted by: Major Dan (markj89@charter.net) on Thu Sep 19 05:06:59 2002

Brett email me.
> >
> > Thanks, RQL but I give up. Everyone has a different idea of what bottom hand torque means to THEM, which tells me that no one knows what it means. Even Jack, through his webmaster could do no better than to suggest reviewing the same old non-specific materials again. No wonder no one knows what it means, and yet they THINK they know.
> >
> > I just think that people shouldn't be making rash statements without backing them up. For example, Alfred said A-rod is a "linear" hitter with "a lot" of bottom hand torque. But when I pressed him for specifics he came back with a short, non-specific answer. Pressed for further details he disappeared.
> >
> > I have no complaint about some people trying to be helpful. You tried, Hitman tried, Mark tried. But in the end, it is NOT a simple matter of bottom hand torque being such a complex concept that it simply "takes time to learn". It is a concept (perhaps an imaginary concept at that)that no one can explain to their peers what it means. I would love to see how this "concept" is explained to the KIDS.
> >
> > And finally, we heard not a peep from Major Dan. It seems that he always has an opinion on something but not this time! Maybe he's too busy trying to figure out his true identity.
> >
> > Now that I'm leaving you will probably see some of these people pop out of the woodwork, making remarks like "see you", etc. I guess that's the best they can do, no ability to discuss a serious issue but the ability to clown around.
> >
> > My final comment: the responses, non-responses to this topic as well as the snide remarks you people have made to each other on other topics is a reflection of Jack's website. I wonder if this makes Jack feel proud?
> >
> > Bye..............................
>
> >>Brett you seem quite agitated and I can say that this site has gone down hill from where it was a year ago.I will try 1 more time for you on bht.Torque is applied when forces are applied against an object in opp.directions.In bht as the lead hand is pulled around then the lead shoulder pulls back at catcher the rear shoulder is driving the rear hand forward.Thus pull/push,forces being applied to the bat in opp.directions.The torque is being created between the hands moving the barrel forward and the knob back,that is it.Linear is when both hands are pushing forward no torque.

Brett-
sorry that I did not respond to your questions about bht. I usually try to avoid those discussions (bht, tht). However, rql gives a good description of what it is.
The best way I have found to 'feel' or experience it is by using the heavy bag. If you start with your front knee even with the front of the bag and swing by turning into the bag with hips/shoulders, the bat will contact the bat when the hips and shoulders are effectively facing the pitcher. At this point the lead shoulder IS starting to move away from the pitcher so the bottom hand really is pulling the bottom of the bat handle back toward the catcher. At the same time, the top hand, if the elbow has stayed in against the ribs, is braced against the body AND is moving forward due to the 'back' hip and shoulder's turn moving them toward the pitcher. So the top hand is pushing against the bat handle, the bottom hand pulling back.
If you time it right you can use the front shoulder/arm/hand to really pull back while the top hand holds firm. Jack calls this the oar lock position. It can really snap the bat into the bag.
More traditional instruction might simply say 'finish the shoulder turn' meaning keep turning the shoulders until the bat comes out into the power V in front.
To effectively use bht, you need to have shoulder turn into contact. If the shoulders slow or stop before contact it becomes an arm swing and both hands must move forward, so no bht.
It may be that 'finishing' the shoulder turn through contact will create the bht and may be an easier cue to learn from for some.
I hope this helps gain some understanding. And I hope I have not wondered too far from what Jack means by bht.