Posted by: Dave A (oxagin@hotmail.com) on Sat Jan 31 09:31:04 2004

> I was watching the clip of Troy Glaus and I noticed his arms do not fully extend after contact. I have seen this throughout numerous power hitters, even though lesser do follow through this way. I know Delmon Young, last yr's number one pick who has ligh-tower power followed through this way. But then there is Sosa and Bonds who become completely extended in there follow through.
> > > >
> > > > I also notice Renteria keeps "tucked in tight" after contact. Thats the best I can describe it.It can be seen when the bat is pointing towards the pitcher in the follow through stage.
> > > >
> > > > Are there benefits to this or is it just natural for some people? Btw all the hitters I have seen do this are right handed for some reason.
> > >
> > > I think this is a valid observation on your part. Extension should not be the goal in my opinion. In fact, I have a strong sense that my arms are totally bent at contact, although the lead shoulder shrug has my lead arm nearer extension than the back arm. I believe many hitters have been cursed by thinking extension in the swing, thus forcing the top hand to roll too soon and v-shaping the swing.
> > >
> > > While I would agree that Bonds and Sosa do get to extension in many of their swings, I have plenty of swings on video, where they do not. One thing is sure though, they never get to back arm extension prior to contact. The back arm should be in the bent power L position at contact. The slotting of the back arm is crucial in my opinion. Some que's I've used for my hitters is keep the hands back, swing under the lead elbow (not above it) and DON'T TRY FOR EXTENSION! Vladamir Guerrero has a wonderful swing plane, take a look at his swing. I thing you'll many of his swings where extension of the back arm happens well after contact and sometimes it never happens. Back arm extension is a no-no....in my opinion.
> > >
> > > If you look on Nick's site, you'll see two swings of my Son slotting the back elbow with very little problem. He has engrained the idea of swingig below the lead elbow. This is what allows the ball to get deep and not force him extend his arms before contact. Hope this helps.
> > >
> > > http://webpages.charter.net/nickkio/Coach/
> > >
> > > Coach C
> >
> >
> > My only question is if it is possible to attain this on outside pitches. Just out of memory I don't think I have seen it. Can it be done and if it can what are the benefits? And yes Vlad has one of the best swings I've seen.
>
>
> My thoughts are this, "It can not be done", however the end, in this case does not justify the means. In other words, setting the swing plane properly (Which should be the name of this web-site) puts one in the correct position to extend the arms properly, not by pushing to the outside pitch, but by letting the rope out a little. Does that make sense? This would be my logic as to why the arms may not be bent on the outside pitch. This logic would also apply if I were early on a pitch.....allowing the rope to extend more out front. For pitches middle-in, the logic would be that the rope is held in close, so bent arms (particularly the back arm) would be logical.
>
> I prefer to think middle-in, with less than two strikes and react away...for many reasons, but two are: 1.) keeps me aggressive and confident 2.) allows me to get closer to the plate, minimzing the outside pitch.
>
> I have adopted the strategy with my hitters that hitting the inside pitch is where great hitters are made, and if they can do that properly (presuming they are not fooled), hitting with bent arms is the key.......so then the learning begins in learning how to hit with a bent trail arm that does not push to extend. Vladamir is a great role model for this and we talk about his swing often.
>
> There's an old saying that I like, "learn to hit the inside pitch and there is no outside pitch." Who's the master? In my opinion it's Barry Bonds......does he really have an outside pitch? Probably not with less than two strikes. Plus pitchers can't miss in with Barry or it's bye-bye.
>
> These are my thoughts
>
> Coach C


Yes I understand what you mean by letting the rope out a little. It's pretty much what Jack says when the bat arcs out father on the outside pitch technically creating more batspeed.

Take a look at my swing clips that I just posted if u can and see what I can do better on inside pitches. I man handle outside pitches which is usually why I'm in the #2 spot in the batting order. Coaches tell me I hit the ball to right field like lefty's do. I need to work on inside pitches more to maximize my power potential and improve plate coverage.