Posted by: tom.guerry (tom.guerry@kp.org) on Sun Oct 6 10:19:35 2002

Bart-

Thanks for sharing the results of your analysis.Since you mentioned
the hands back by the back thigh in lag,this is something I have
looked for and I agree it is a good sign.I have been looking further
back in the swing to see what might be upstream from this.I believe
this is the same dynamic which Jack describes as loose connection at
launch which then later results in a suboptimal "lag" position and
torso turn stopping prematurely(particularly on the middle in pitches
you want to "turn on").I think this may be the same phenomenon that
results in the flaw Nyman describes as hip slide.So how do you prevent
the hips from sliding/swaying.Or how do you rotate instead of
sway?Right from the start.

My answer to this is based on watching Tiger Woods hit the driver/long
irons from multiple angles.This comparison is dangerous because it's a
different sport with different final goals.But I believe the
similarity is enough for this part of the swing.It also fits with
Epstein's description of the hip rotation/opening reversing a torso
turn that is still turning back,although I much prefer the Nyman "scap
load" description of this with its connotatioins of stretching/loading
as opposed to taking more of a backswing as the term "counter-rotation
could imply"(and I see the players that emphasize this
"artificial/one-piece looking" counter-rotation not doing as well).In
golf the keys are having the club on plane at the top and then
unwinding in the right muscle sequence.

The big muscles must be still loding/stretching/keeping the torso back
as forward hip turn creates a last bit of stretch before
"launch"(torso begins turning forward).I think the hand path must stay
in as launch gets underway,and the axis of rotation needs to be set
when hip deceleration starts.

What is most difficult is determining when torso turn really starts as
opposed to ongoing scap loading and bat cocking/uncocking.In any
case,sway needs to be eliminated when this "reversal" happens.For
this,having the bat in a necessary position/range of motion seems
necessary but not sufficient.

Have you tried to look further upstream at this point in the
swing.Perhaps it would relate to how well the "lag" position is
achieved