Posted by: rql () on Thu Nov 14 18:15:45 2002

>>> Does loading have a real effect on how far or hard you hit the ball?? <<<
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> Hi Jakey
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> Yes, loading the muscles is important, but once again we must define what we mean by the term. To a linear coach, “loading” would probably have the hands go straight back. He would say you should “walk away from your hands” or “you must go back before you go forward.” I have heard it stated that these actions load the muscles so that the hands can be “sling-shot” at the ball. And I can see how that result could occur with those instructions.
>
> A good portion of total bat speed generated by a great hitter comes from a circular hand-path. Therefore, the rotational hitter loads his leg and torso muscles with an inward-turn or counter-rotation of the shoulders. In other words, counter-rotates to the launch position so that as shoulder rotation is initiated, his hands are launched into a circular path.
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> Note: I tell the hitter he should “hide his hands from the pitcher” with the inward-turn.
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> Jack Mankin
> Jack I too believe that hiding the hands can produce the correct load but not necessarily ,you can hide your hands by turning the shoulders in too much and yet never connect the lead arm or arm bar.To me he proper load comes from pulling back with the rear elbow towards the dugout behind you as you stride forward.This well straighten the lead arm to some degree [what I call connecting the lead arm]without overly turning the shoulders which can cause vision problems,it does however hide the hands and create for me the optimum load.