Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Thu Apr 27 23:59:48 2000

>>>In comparison to full distance live arm pitching, What are your thoughts concerning 20-25 foot front toss from behind a screen (underhand but with motion backwards then frontwards, much like soft toss) ? <<<

Hi Terry

Soft toss as you describe it can be helpful to swing development. My problem is with batting drills that cause the batter to jerk into action. Where the batter has no time to properly prepare a rhythm to the launch position. Without a visual triggering sequence to initiate the swing (such as "with motion backwards then frontwards") the batter will remain tense and have trouble timing pitches from different distances and speeds.

>>>Also, please explain the quick moving game of "work-up".<<<

"Work-up" is a game where the batter who does not reach first safely, moves to right field and "works" his way back (position by position). When set up right, the game moves along quickly and the players have fun and gets in a lot swings. --- I never slowed the game by coaching. It's a time to let them loosen up. Take mental notes for a future practice.

Jack Mankin