Posted by: Paul () on Sun Jul 3 16:23:30 2011

Jack-

I agree with you that most (I would say something like 95%) of coaches teach linear mechanics. I know this because every coach I have ever had has advocated a swing in which the bat is level with the plate (rather than level with the ball). I have had several coaches tell me that "the shortest path to the ball is a straight line".

Until coaches in the US learn that little to no bat speed is generated by a linear extension of the hands, we will continue to lag behind other countries (with no private instruction) in developing hitters.

Now let me ask you a question: I disagree with your idea that shoulder rotation is how the energy gets to the ball. I'm not totally sure if you advocate this, but I've inferred it from the videos you've put up. You also advocate THT and BHT.

Isn't shoulder rotation a poor way to transfer energy? THT and BHT rely upon the forearm's action. When I swing consciously using my shoulders, I can't hit the outside pitch. When I swing using THT, I hit the outside pitch with authority.