Posted by: George () on Sat Sep 8 15:57:20 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,
>
> This is the best way to get at the issue of what is happening.
>
> I'm showing a different view and perhaps you can comment how what "I see". I see the bat moving downwards, I don't see the bat moving backwards to any large degree. Another thing are we suppose to believe that a small movement backwards creates some great energy to the swing? I don't think it works that way.
>
> Anyways, here a different look at PLT and THT,
>
> http://home.comcast.net/~ben_2004/plttht.wmv
>
> Shawn

Shawn. That was an excellent clip of the Sosa swing from the side. It almost definitively showed no evidence of THT. But it did show a classic hitch in which both arms dropped (in unison) in an effort to slot the holding of the angle.

As we know the hitch is a flaw that can reduce the hitters ability to effectively hit pitches (resulting in a lot of strikeouts). We also know that exceptional hitters can can uses hitches and or other methods and still effectively hit. Thus Sosa's technique works for him.

In my opinion, it is much more constructive to learn what is (actually) being applied by each great hitter rather than prove a certain theory right or wrong (be it Williams, Lau Jr.,Sr., or Mankin) and apply it to all great hitters. So once we learn what is going on with a number of great hitters we can allude to what would potentially help or detract from a non professional when applied.