Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Wed Sep 26 13:50:48 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. <<<

Hi Huub

I would say your first statement is right on target. Many feel that it is the lowering of the elbow that applies the rearward force of the top-hand. Although, there may be some true in that approach, in my swing, I feel the pulling rearward of my forearm causes my elbow to lower.

This becomes more evident when adjusting for pitches away where the rearward direction of pull of my top-hand is more toward the catcher’s right shoulder. On pitches middle-in, I pull more toward the catchers left shoulder and my elbow lowers quickly to my side, which produces a tighter hand-path. Pulling the top-hand toward the catcher’s right shoulder causes my hands and elbow to sweep into wider trajectories where my elbow stays away from my side.

I would not recommend separating the hands for applying greater torque to the handle. A key to a good mechanic is to apply torque at the handle without restricting the pendulum effect of a CHP. The most efficient pendulum effect would occur with a single axis point of rotation. Having two axis points, as with the baseball grip, is more restrictive and although separating the hands further may increase the torque factor some, it would also further restrict the pendulum effect.

Note: The overlapping of the hands (axis points closer together) in the golf grip provides for a more efficient transfer of the pendulum effect than does the baseball grip.

Jack Mankin