Posted by: Graylon (g_dunc@hotmail.com) on Tue Aug 26 10:21:06 2008

> > If it can enable a player to keep the hands inside close, it's not stupid.
> > Different excercises work for different players.
>
> Despite the video evidence and the detailed information and explanations, it is frankly amazing that this nonsense is still being encouraged on this forum.
>
> As stated above, the fence drill and cues such as "keep hands inside close" will stall a player's progress. We show video after video after video of great hitters with a BARRED (straight or almost straight) lead arm. You see All-stars and homerun derby hitters, like Holiday, Sosa, Pujols, Giambi, A-Rod, etc., etc., all with a straighter lead arm from initiation to contact.
>
> The reasons why keeping the lead-elbow at a fixed (or “barred”) angle is essential to in producing the most productive circular hand path have been discussed repeatedly (along with video). A “barred” lead arm delivers full power from the rotation of the body through the lead arm to the bat (whereas allowing a bend arm to un-flex creates slack that loses momentum in the swing). It is a fact that with efficient mechanics, the wider the arc of the hands - the faster the bat-head moves. It also allows players to get better plate coverage, etc, etc.
>
> If you believe that the arms/hands should be tight/close/bent, what great hitter are you watching (name any allstar or homerun derby hitter this year and we'll post his clip). I don't think it matters how many videos we post because some people refuse to accept the information in front of them.
>
> John, have you ever considered testing the fence drill? Try posting a video of your local "good" hitting instructor demonstrating "keep the hands inside close" with the fence drill while hitting a baseball. I'll then put your video side by side with the swing of a great hitter. We have studied and analyzed good college hitters demonstrating the fence drill while dry swinging and hitting a ball ... it doesn't work in theory or in practice.
>
> Brian


Brian,

I also, see all those hitters you describe, keep a tight hand path and laterally tilt. It sounds like you are advocating casting and the creation of a long swing. I agree, the wider the path of the hands the more batspeed you can generate, but at what sacrafice?

Graylon