Posted by: George () on Fri Sep 7 14:41:36 2007

> Hi All
>
> Pre-Launch Torque (PLT) and Top-Hand-Torque (THT) are key components of a high level swing. Getting a good visual image of these complex swing mechanics from the writing word is difficult at best. Therefore, I thought it would be helpful if I gave my description of the differences between the two and then show MotionView clips of batters exhibiting PLT before shoulder rotation is initiated.
>
> I also think these clips may address Shawn’s (Aug post) statements below.
>
> ##
> “The elbow is lowering as the hips begin rotation, the bat doesn't arc backwards during this time. The bat doesn't arc until shoulder rotation”
>
> “The "issue" was if THT or torque was responsible for the bat arcing a greater distance. That was the entire issue.”
>
> “Stop dodging the issues!!”
>
> “Show a clip of the bat arcing "prior" to shoulder rotation.”
> ##
>
> Here is my 2003 post explaining the two stages of THT
> <a href="http://www.batspeed.com/messageboard/12745.html">Jack’s description of PLT to THT</a>
>
> <a href="http://www.batspeed.com/media/Sosa_PLT_THT.wmv">Sosa PLT to THT</a>
>
> <a href="http://www.batspeed.com/media/Bonds_PLT.wmv">Bonds PLT to THT</a>
>
> This clip demonstrates the principles of applying THT once the bat-head has been sweep behind the head into the swing plane. Note that I just lay my fingers of the top-hand around the handle. I do not grip it with the palm because I will pull rearward with the fingers instead of driving forward with the palm.
> <a href="http://www.batspeed.com/media/THTHigh.wmv">Applying THT</a>
>
> Jack Mankin

Jack. I guess I am a doubting Thomas, but from the side view it appears Sosa is merely taking the hands back and holding the angle rather than using THT.

But Sheffield, Bonds, Clemente, Canseco, Strawberry, Piazza, and Haffner appear to be actually using THT.

And just because a hitter uses CHP does not mean he is using torque. Al Kaline (great hitter) did not use torque (to the naked eye) neither did Stan Musial, Dave Kingman.