Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Mon Nov 22 20:17:15 2004

>>> I just read this last part of this thread, so i don't know if this has been said so i apologize if it has. but the bathead leading the hands in relationship to home plate or third or the mound means nothing in regards to proper mechanics.

The only time the the bathead can lead the hands in the swing relative to the forearm is if the bottom hand has begun rollover. as soon as that happens the bathead has deviated from the front arm plane and solid contact becomes much more difficult. more than likely the wrist has binded and the bathead has slowed.

There is a trick that some players use to avoid binding and roll over. if the ball has not been hit by the time the hands are in a straight line with the bathead they will allow the knob of the bat to slide under their wrist allowing the bathead to keep accelerating to contact. this sliding under of the knob keeps the bat on plane.

I think other than the transfer of power from the legs, hips, torso, shoulders to the bat, keeping the bat on PLANE is absolutely the most important aspect of a great swing. without it you lose consistency and speed.
Regards, Rich <<<

Hi Rich

Your post shows you have studied the swing well. – You stated, “There is a trick that some players use to avoid binding and roll over. if the ball has not been hit by the time the hands are in a straight line with the bathead they will allow the knob of the bat to slide under their wrist allowing the bathead to keep accelerating to contact. this sliding under of the knob keeps the bat on plane”

Having lead shoulder rotation to pull the bottom-hand (and knob) back toward the catcher is a key rotational transfer principle. This is what produces the hook in the hand-path and applies torque to accelerate the bat-head to contact. Do you feel that “allowing the knob of the bat to slide under their wrist” is a different mechanic? Or, a result of the bottom-hand (and knob) being pulled back?

Jack Mankin