radial deviation

[Mark H]

Why is the lead arm so far away from the chest?

 

[Chris O'Leary]

Why is the lead arm so far away from the chest?

This configuration certainly works for Derek Jeter, but it's a bit off the beaten path.

 

[Erik]

Eric

We focus on pulling the bat with the lead fingers elbows working in unison. We avoid pushing with the back hand so the release is not early.

I would also say I enjoyed spending the time with you, earlier this year. You gave me some insight on a couple of things.



Straightleg

Straightleg,



thanks I enjoyed the time spent. I would love to see some recent swings of your daughter. Thanks!!


EL

 

[ifubuildit]

The knob is in a decent place and the front forearm and the bat are lined up, but her back elbow is well away from her back hip and the angle of her back elbow is quite open (which is more Lazy L than Power L).

Thats where I thought you were going with your comment. At what angle is the optimum (In terms of degrees) in your opinion that the back elbow should be at when at contact?

 

[ifubuildit]

Why is the lead arm so far away from the chest?

Because you have been looking at Steves stuff for so long.

 

[Chris O'Leary]

Thats where I thought you were going with your comment. At what angle is the optimum (In terms of degrees) in your opinion that the back elbow should be at when at contact?

The angle of the elbow's going to vary depending on how well you time out the pitch and the inside/outside location of the pitch. It's going to be around 90 degrees for a perfectly timed pitch down the middle. The problem with always extending like that at the POC is that, if you get fooled by an offspeed pitch, you've got a reduced ability to adjust to it.

 

[RayR]

Mark/Chris,

You guys understand that it is primarily a lead arm / hand path drill, correct?

The hips haven't moved in the clips. How do you think this drill would look if the lower body was involved?

It's a good drill to promote both arms working together.

How many swings do you come across that have the front arm pinned on the chest because they have slotted the rear elbow and let the front arm / shoulder complex stretch back instead having both arms connected.

Chris, I know you have talked about bat drag in the past. You don't think this drill would mitigate it?

 

[Hitter]

Mark/Chris,

You guys understand that it is primarily a lead arm / hand path drill, correct?

The hips haven't moved in the clips. How do you think this drill would look if the lower body was involved?

It's a good drill to promote both arms working together.

How many swings do you come across that have the front arm pinned on the chest because they have slotted the rear elbow and let the front arm / shoulder complex stretch back instead having both arms connected.

Chris, I know you have talked about bat drag in the past. You don't think this drill would mitigate it?

MTS

Thank you as several have PM'd for a photo and that is what we had, it is not a perfect example of how to use it, it is a photo that's purpose was to show you the device ONLY! We will re shoot it and make it perfect. It is visual concept only and is STATIC. They only go through the motions to get a feeling of how to do it as they tilt and turn and direct the bat head to a target using the different colored tape. They will see and feel the casting out and they will see the results of barrel of the bat to the ball if done correctly or incorrectly.

Chris on another note how close is too close for the back elbow to be in the hip area? Does it suffice to say it should clear? If I could slide a piece a paper between the hip area and the elbow would that be good enough?

We try to keep it simple so the hitter can feel the difference. I have them pull on a rope that has a bungee cord attached and get to bat lag and let them feel the difference of in too close and away too far. They can not release the wrist because there is no handle and I know that. I have another device for that. Try it yourself as every kid I have worked with can feel it while they are using the cord/rope and when they move the elbow in too far (close) the cord pulls them rearward as they have lost their mechanical advantage. The top hand is where they loose the advantage and become disconnected. I think keeping the elbows in tight is where we loose bat speed and misdirect the barrel of the bat. With the girls especially, as their breast/ thickness in the chest area MUST be overcome and the elbows MUST clear. This is a difference in teaching male and female which is why we use the rope/ cord so they feel it while looking in a mirror and can see it. We tell them quite simply the elbows work as a unit, the knob leads the elbows, keep the back hand stacked over the elbow (cue word is stay strong on the backside) and lead with the knob and the elbows clear the body. If the top hand gets ahead of the elbow they are in our opinion pushing the bat. This is a crucial teach point for us as the bat is transitioning forward.

Thanks Howard

 

[Hitter]

Dana thank you for the kind words and observations. The girls are doing well and the 11 year hit an over the fence 200 foot shot 6 weeks after your visit! Everyone wanted to know what bat she was using and Dr. Paulson proudly stood and exclaimed, "It is a Walmart special and cost $59.95 plus tax and it is not the bat it is her technique!"

By the way I am not an engineer, I was a manufacturing manager.

Thanks Howard

 

[ifubuildit]

Yeah but you think like one and you have slept at a holiday inn.