Initial hand move to properly turn the barrel?

[Snapperny]

I am trying to wrap my mind around the "Turn the Barrel" move before I try to teach it to my daughter. I understand the concept of why it works & why it gives early bat speed. What I need a little help with is figuring out what direction the hands should be pulling. I know that the top hand should be pulling back, while the bottom hand should pull forward. However, from looking at videos & gifs it seems clear that the top hand isn't pulling straight back & bottom hand isn't pulling straight forward (i.e. the bat isn't going from straight vertical to flat directly backwards in a "bop the catcher on the top of the head" movement). So my question is...Exactly what direction are the hands pulling as the INITIAL launch? Is the top hand pulling back behind the batter causing a slight "loop" behind the hitter as it pivots around?

Or am I off base on this?

Any help clarifying this for me would be great.

Thanks

 

[FiveFrameSwing]

The top hand pulls 'around'.

 

[rdbass]

 

[FiveFrameSwing]

 

[tjintx]

Glad this thread popped up. I have turned the barrel in more than a few ways experimenting with this. For me when I turn with the barrel of the bat working directly into the crease between my thumb an index finger(top hand) I get the smoothest transition to the ball The hand moves in a way that the barrel comes directly back toward my elbow.
On the other hand when I send the barrel back toward the catcher which takes the barrel more into my palm or fingers(top hand) i feel a hitch in my wrists as the barrel changes direction from back toward the catcher to forward toward the pitcher.
Anyone care to shed some light on which is actually correct?

 

[SBFAMILY]

That would give you a weak grip. FFS did a good job of posting the correct grip and he can repost for us. If you look at Jim''s bat jack , it is a device that forces you to have the correct grip with the top hand. As FFS stated it is the top hand action that is important.

 

[straightleg]

Serve the pizza

I have the girls take a bite as it pass's their face.



SL

 

[FiveFrameSwing]

That would give you a weak grip. FFS did a good job of posting the correct grip and he can repost for us. If you look at Jim''s bat jack , it is a device that forces you to have the correct grip with the top hand. As FFS stated it is the top hand action that is important.

SBF, we discussed 'grip' in the following post .... http://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-hitting-technical/12110-all-knowing-board-why-does-swinging-down-cause-pop-ups-5.html#post139561

There are other posts in that thread discussing the topic.

 

[RayR]

I would say that sounds right to me.

Back to the catcher is not right. Sometimes it helps me to think of taking it back right past my rear shoulder/arm.

Glad this thread popped up. I have turned the barrel in more than a few ways experimenting with this. For me when I turn with the barrel of the bat working directly into the crease between my thumb an index finger(top hand) I get the smoothest transition to the ball The hand moves in a way that the barrel comes directly back toward my elbow.
On the other hand when I send the barrel back toward the catcher which takes the barrel more into my palm or fingers(top hand) i feel a hitch in my wrists as the barrel changes direction from back toward the catcher to forward toward the pitcher.
Anyone care to shed some light on which is actually correct?

 

[tjintx]

I think what you describe is the beginning of the swivel which happens after the initial hand movement. I doubt you see it that way as you teach someone parallel to but not the same as "turn the barrel".

Serve the pizza

I have the girls take a bite as it pass's their face.



SL