"Connector" Devices

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Dec 5, 2012
4,143
63
Mid West
EF … you are describing a device that actively applies a force in the direction that brings the elbow together. It isn’t like a hitter should resist that force to build structure. Instead, there is a compression-like action in the arms that builds structure, and that structure is what manages elbow separation … not an active application of force counter to what the rubber band would be applying. It is more a building of structure, that renders the rubber band ineffective in terms of bringing the elbows closer together … and not an application of pressure that would that of the rubber band. The elbows will come closer to each other initially as structure is established … and it is the building of that structure which restricts further decreasing the elbow distance, not a force counter to the rubber band.
You need to try it for yourself. Only then will you fully grasp it. Chaz Pippen was the inventor. The original idea was used for the stride foot stepping outward. So they put elastic bands pulling the leg out. The batter HAD to use muscle to step straight or else they would fall down. After a few dozen swings, the batter stepped straight automatically! The idea for the arms as born.
Its much easier to build muscle memory when your actually using muscle. This tool will build the correct posture in the upper body so that the hands will be in the proper position to "turn the barrel"!!!! All I'm saying is don't knock it until you've tried it.
 
Jun 17, 2009
15,036
0
Portland, OR
CJ, I didn't state that the device couldn't be constructive .... just pointing out that it shouldn't be the countering of muscled forces, in the direction counter to the pull of the elastic band, that creates the muscle memory that you are after, as that would not be the muscle memory you want for your hitters.

Remember the goal .... it's simply to avoid 'bat drag' ... or a better target IMO, to turn the barrel ... tightly. Learn to use the hands, and the structure will be established ... it isn't as difficult as some folks are making.
 
Sep 19, 2013
420
0
Texas
FFS. In it's simplest terms what is turning the barrel? Is it turning the barrel of the bat to contact w/ the ball pivoting on the hands while keeping the elbows in tight? U also mention ripping the handle off the bat? Is that the torquing of the hands? (Bottom hand pulling in/top hand pushing away?
 
Jun 17, 2009
15,036
0
Portland, OR
FFS. In it's simplest terms what is turning the barrel? Is it turning the barrel of the bat to contact w/ the ball pivoting on the hands while keeping the elbows in tight? U also mention ripping the handle off the bat? Is that the torquing of the hands? (Bottom hand pulling in/top hand pushing away?

Turning the barrel is the sending of the barrel into its swing arc.

Not sure what you mean by top hand pushing away. From my perspective the top hand does not push, it pulls ... as in pulls around.
 
Jun 18, 2012
3,183
48
Utah
Turning the barrel is the sending of the barrel into its swing arc.

Not sure what you mean by top hand pushing away. From my perspective the top hand does not push, it pulls ... as in pulls around.

I like the phrase "as in pulls around." Why? Because I like to show my hitters the motion of the hands as being somewhat like them going around a softball to get the proper barrel turning action, the top hand really rotating in this action.
 
Jul 16, 2013
4,659
113
Pennsylvania
I know somebody mentioned cutting down a pool noodle to use. On full swings it just pops out? Haven't tried it so not sure if it works

That would be me.... I did this for a number of reasons. First of all, you can make 3 different size pieces out of one noodle. Secondly, if the elbows spread too far, the noodle piece will fall out. Thirdly, if the elbows get too close, the noodle will pop out. I like the fact that the arms are not completely immobilized. This method will allow the user to perform full tee swings. As an extra benefit, the players that I use it with seem to like the challenge of trying to keep the stupid thing in place until contact. To be honest, I do not use them much. I tend to spend more time working on hand usage and will just add some drills like this once in a while just for a change of pace. I cut my first pool noodle in December and my own DD has not used them more than 3 times.
 

rdbass

It wasn't me.
Jun 5, 2010
9,130
83
Not here.
IMO what you want to learn/teach/feel is the building of structure along the forearms as you use your hands to turn the barrel.

FFS. Is there any way that you can video and explain what you mean by this?

Maybe this?
Left handed batter:
ForearmsOverhead.gif

CPujolsSwivel.gif

CPujols.gif
 

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