Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sun Aug 26 09:37:35 2007

>>> so basically when getting this CHP down is it ok to think "lead side do the work and back side go for the ride"?? I notice some players like Manny Ramirez (and I'm sure more) seem to have a lighter grip on the bat with the top hand and the bottom hand seems like its more firm (but not too firm) on the bat. I think this could possibly help the batter swing using the lead side.<<<

Hi Dave

It is the rotation of the lead-shoulder that is pulling the bottom-hand and knob end of the bat around. However, to generate maximum bat speed requires torque as well as a CHP. Therefore, the top-hand cannot just go along for the ride. For torque to be applied to accelerate the bat-head rearward to the lag position, the top-hand must apply a rearward force on the handle while the bottom-hand is pulling forward on the knob end of the bat.

That is why Manny and other top hitters have a loose grip with the top-hand. The pulling rearward is with the fingers. A tight grip would not allow the fingers to rotate around the handle as the elbow lowers. This can lead to wrist binds and waves in the swing plane.

Jack Mankin