Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Mon Dec 16 17:39:46 2002

>>> For the scap loading part,you might use keep the hands back,keep the hands in,or Epstein's "scoop sand with the top hand".Even the old "knob to the ball" works if the knob is turning while the hands are still staying back and connected.Lots of possibilities.One key to not confusing the student with the cue/interpretation is for the teacher to know what has to happen at a fairly fundamental level.<<<

Hi Tom

>>> For the scap loading part, you might use keep the hands back, keep the hands in, or Epstein's "scoop sand with the top hand".

During the “scap load,” part, would Epstein recommend scooping sand at the catcher or at the pitcher? What to you find in the cue; "scoop sand with the top hand," that encourages a batter to keep the hands back and connected during scap loading?

>>> Even the old "knob to the ball" works if the knob is turning while the hands are still staying back and connected.<<<

I agree with you, the bat should undergo a good amount of angular displacement before the hand-path is accelerated. What forces would you say are acting on the bat that cause the knob to turn before shoulder rotation and the hands arc into their path?

Jack Mankin