Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatsped@aol.com) on Mon Nov 11 12:21:38 2002

>>> Regarding the barring of the lead arm, I find it depends on one's definition of barring (at least to some extent). Here's a link to a thread demonstrating this.

http://www.baseball-excellence.com/sbaseballforums/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=1&Topic=1796

Mark H. <<<

Hi Mark

I agree with you that the term “barring” can be a matter of interpretation. To me, “barring” refers to the lead-arm becoming more ridged or straightening. To many coaches “barring” the arm is synonymous casting. And they would be correct if the batter uses linear principles – keep the shoulder closed and extend the top-hand. That will lead to the “barred” arm casting out away from the body.

Mark, as you pointed out, with good rotational mechanics, there is no casting (or disconnect) away from the body with a straighter lead-arm. To tell a batter he must flex the lead-elbow as he swings leads to a straighter hand-path and reduced performance. This is just one example of why so many players find it hard to develop a good rotational swing under most coaches.

PS: In the new video, I show an overhead-view of a rotational swing with a barred arm.

Jack Mankin