Extending through the ball

I don't want to get in the middle of any arguments, but IMO FFS and RDB are both right. From RDB's perspective he is suggesting that extension is a "result". The focus of the swing should not be the extension, although you do want good extension after contact occurs. That said, I like FFS's description of the bottom hand. It appears that the bottom hand is pulling the bat around her body instead of allowing the arms to extend. My DD did this for a while too. We practiced "throwing the bat". We grabbed an old bat, had her standing in the batters box to swing. The goal was to throw the bat directly at the pitcher's circle.

I will probably get hammered by the experts for this comment, but WTH, we don't learn if we don't ask, right??? I try to look at the bottom hand as the controlling force to lead the barrel of the bat to the ball. The location of the pitch will determine where that bottom hand will go. Then just prior to contact, the top hand takes over. Probably poor wording as I feel both hands are very important to the overall swing. I just think each hand has a slightly different job, if that makes sense.

Ok, fire away. I am going to put my big boy pants on...

Almost FP26. The bottom hand is actually active at the start of the swing. It is the bottom hand that cocks ... and it is the bottom hand that uncocks. That uncocking action of the bottom hand does not wait until contact to occur, but actually takes place quite early in the swing. The top hand does not wait until contact to take over ..... it was actually active prior ..... it just so happens that the bottom hand's uncocking action turns on a critical sensor in the top hand, and the top hand quickly joins the party. Perhaps what you mean is that the bottom hand releases (with direction) at contact, as the top hand "continues" to drive "through" contact.

No arguing just discussions

One more gif:

RDBass .... take note of the point of contact for both of those gifs.

Different Cues work for different hitters. DD could Launch her swing and turn the barrel as pretty as you please and still not get extension, it was something she struggled with for a long time. Her HC worked on it with her from different angles trying to get her to release through the ball. She would not roll her bottom wrist til well after contact. They finally conquered the issue.

From that experienced, I started approach with my DS. He was showing some of the same tendencies (genetic? bad cue from dad?) What helped him quickly was to use a quick stick (or speed bat or anything light) and have him hold it in is bottom hand and choke up about 4". Practice relaxed one hand swings with the focus on the feel of the "bat" releasing and rolling with direction. So, if you are imagining hitting to right field you swing and let the bat cause the roll as the arm is extending with direction.

The purpose of choking up is that it helps the roll. If you "hammer" instead it will A) be uncomfortable and B) give you immediate feedback as you bat will hit you in the forearm. We did this while chatting for about 15 min, had him focus on the feel of the roll and release/extension. Then did the same with a bat with standard grip (not choked up).

He transferred the feeling and was able to identify when he would swing wrong noting that it just felt wrong.

FiveFrameSwing said:

Almost FP26. Perhaps what you mean is that the bottom hand releases (with direction) at contact, as the top hand "continues" to drive "through" contact.

Click to expand...

Exactly. I am clearly not as fluent with my descriptions. Thank you for clarifying for me.

Swinging Vs Hitting .....