"Connector" Devices

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Feb 5, 2013
245
16
My DD has been struggling with "turning the triangle" to the pitcher ... or, I should say, I've been struggling to explain it well and get her to feel it.

I've seen a few homemade "connector" devices in older threads by StraightLeg and BoardMember as well as the device in this video:



I wanted to get feedback from those of you that have made/used these devices, both the good and the bad.

Thanks for your time!
 
Oct 10, 2011
1,572
38
Pacific Northwest
I use the connector devise.

this girl became a very good hitter this year, learning to pull her hands inside very well.

you can see how she uses her body, scrunch tilt, instead of just her arms to adjust to pitch height.

with connector
annawithconnect-S.gif

without connector
annazoneworkgif-S.gif

front toss
annafronttossgif-S.gif
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
IMO, I'm not sure that using a connector for a full swing is a great idea. Up too contact is fine, but after that point, maintaining the same separation between the elbows isn't something you want to enforce.
 
Jun 17, 2009
15,105
0
Portland, OR
Mann .... good input.

Regarding the full swing ... notice that the elbow is coming into her body .... also notice that she appears to first level with her hands, and then swing (... you might look at more of her swings and see if this is the case in general for her).
 
Jun 17, 2009
15,105
0
Portland, OR
IMO, I'm not sure that using a connector for a full swing is a great idea. Up too contact is fine, but after that point, maintaining the same separation between the elbows isn't something you want to enforce.

Good point. Notice that in Mann's example that he's using the device to hit into a punching bag ..... which is the instruction provided with the Connextion device.

PC_gif_small.gif
 
Last edited:
Jun 17, 2009
15,105
0
Portland, OR
How you use a Connextion-like device determines what you extract from it.

In Mann’s example it appears to me that the emphasis is to create a “connection”, or pre-set formation of structure, and then use the ‘body’ to swing.

Quick example ….. ask a hitter to use their hands to grab a can of soda from your outstretched hand. In the process of using their hand to grab the can of soda it ‘connects’ to their body. The assignment is given to the hands, and the body supports the role given to the hands.

You do not grab the can of soda by freezing the structure of your arms first, and then performing muscle movements of your shoulders, torso, etc.

Same here ….. give the role to the hands to turn the barrel to contact, and allow the 'creation of structure' to establish a ‘connection’ to the body and for the body to assist in getting the job accomplished … a job assigned to the hands. Allow the Connextion-like device to help feel the ‘dynamic’ establishment of building that structure ….. .... .... avoid building structure first. Learn to feel what it is like for structure to be built when you use your hands to turn the barrel.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
FFS - Do you see a value in using a connection device with hitters who are struggling with "structure" issues?
 
Jun 17, 2009
15,105
0
Portland, OR
FFS - Do you see a value in using a connection device with hitters who are struggling with "structure" issues?

Eric, used correctly the device has merit. It isn't a cure-all. Used improperly the device can make you worse .... or said differently, the device can lead you to achieve a less-than-ideal result.

It comes down to your application. As with many drills, the goals that you set make a difference in what is achieved.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Eric, used correctly the device has merit. It isn't a cure-all. Used improperly the device can make you worse .... or said differently, the device can lead you to achieve a less-than-ideal result.

It comes down to your application. As with many drills, the goals that you set make a difference in what is achieved.

Correct instruction is critical with ANY drill or device.

I could see how the connector device could lead to some significant barrel-dumping issues if proper use of the hands isn't reinforced.
 

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