Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Thu Jan 12 11:44:34 2012

Registered User Join Date:Mar 2007
Location:Peoria, IL
Posts:587 Originally Posted by ndd
>>This is my opinion based on a year of "fixing" the results of the fence drill in one player. It is the single worst drill that can ever be done and should be illegal in the ICC. It causes way more problems than it fixes. In fact, it can cause bat drag. I am now on a jihad to get rid of this drill - as soon as Swisher retires. <<

>>> Can you describe what is happening or even better show a video of it?
I, too, used to think the fence drill was problematic because I thought it caused the hitter to pull off the ball and not hit through it. But the more I studied the MLB swing, the more I realized how good this drill really was. This drill keeps the elbow tight to the body (an absolute) and it keeps the barrel accelerating in its rotation. It also helps develop a great hand hinge...another bat head accelerator. Keep in mind, the drill is a bit of an exaggeration drill, but nonetheless, it is a great bat head speed drill. If your bat head hits the fence, then you are extending a bit early causing the barrel to lose velocity bcause its circle has been interrupted. I can see why more than just one MLBer uses it.

URSA....when the rear elbow is up at load, and charges down as a first move, it is quite difficult to arm bar. Try to bar when doing this. Now try to bar with elbow down...it is much easier.<<<

Hi Slugger

I would be interested in your thoughts on the post below regarding the mechanics of keeping "Your Hands Inside The Ball" including the "Fence Drill." The video clip showing the results of a batter using the "Fence Drill" is a good representation of what I find with the drill. -- I know you think the drill results in mechanics that generates great bat speed. But have you actually tried hitting pitched balls with the drill to see if you perform as well as expected?

Re: The Fence Drill

Jack Mankin