Posted by: Huub (h.vanveen@bpo.nl) on Wed Sep 19 07:49:15 2007

Dear Jack,

In figuring out the mechanics of THT to apply this in my teachings I've got two statements which I would like your opinion on.

Back elbow up or down, what is best?
With the elbow up, the forearms are more inline. This will make it easier to pull back with the top hand (true pull instead of moment around a lowered elbow) and makes it possible to pull harder and apply more THT. By applying this force the bat will accelerate backwards and downwards. While keeping pulling perpendicular to the bats axis (which is now changing), the elbow will automatically move into the side of the body into the correct position for contact.

Hand spacing, yes or no?
More torque (same force, larger arm) can be applied when the hands are spaced (5-10[mm]/0.2-0.4[inch]).

These are my reasoning and preferred teaching, if you don't agree or I don't understand/apply your theory correctly, or you see flaws in other parts of the swing because of this, can you convince me otherwise and explain. Because I would like to start winter training with one solid understanding and teach only one technique to "my" kids.

Regards,

Huub