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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Is Lau's


Posted by: () on Thu Dec 6 13:23:24 2001


> > > However, I agree with Jack about using a non-thumb grip (pull with the fingers) to get tht. I think that is a better way than 'pushing' with the thumb.
> > >
> > >
> > > Could you expand on this?
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > Mark H.
> >
> > Sorry to be cryptic. From a re-read of Tom's post, the open top hand is simply a swing with the top hand along for the ride / stability but not 'used'. This would discourage top hand dominance. Since the bat rests in the V of the thumb and first finger, the base of the thumb could do some pulling / tht. But since its on the pitchers side of the bat, I called it 'pushing' the bat back for tht.
> > But I don't think that was CL's intention.
> > Lau's hitting philosophy is bottom hand dominant.
> > In one sense, that fits with Jack's ideas: the bottom hand arm has the slack taken out of it and is pulled through by shoulder turn. If you take the top hand off and one-arm swing (or loose top hand the bat) you can force that mechanic. But the resemblance is superficial as Lau is not particularly rotational IMO.
> > Lau's lower body mechanics are 'weight shift against a firm front leg' oriented. (linear) This tends to lose half the lower body power (no front leg pushing back) and tends to undermine lower body rotation. As a result, with loss of hip rotation, Lau adapted a 'let the top hand go and swing with the bottom hand' concept.
> > Clearly with a cramped hip turn, the top hand will really mess up a swing since it can't turn through. The top hand follows the hips as much or more than the shoulders IMO as the elbow tucks against the ribs.
> > While Jack worries about the top hand pushing, CL worries about the top hand holding on and slowing or cramping the swing.
> > Jack refers to the top hand being used as an oar-lock - as the body turns the top hand keeps pushing the bat. But Jack is clear that the top hand does not push forward away from the body and drive to extension.
> > Lau wants to top hand to disappear so it won't hold the bat and swing back when the hip turn cuts off prematurely. big difference there.
> >
> > Unfortunately CL won't discuss such issues here. Apparently that spoils the party for him. I've tried in the past as well.
> >
>
> Seems like pushing with the thumb to initiate tht would put you closer to bht position requiring less top hand rotation on the bat? So why is pull better?
>
> Mark H.

Interesting: the theory of hitting boils down to how tightly you hold your thumb.Perhaps you have some frame-by -frame analysis, preferably zooming in on the thumb. Oh, and P.S. to Tom: you were lamenting the fact that Charley Lau Jr is not here to answer some questions. Well, haven't you heard? Major Dan got smart with Charley and so he left.


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This is known as hitting for the cycle in a game?
   Single, double, triple, homerun
   Four singles
   Three homeruns
   Three stikeouts

   
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