radial deviation

radial deviation (which is the act of cocking the wrist tilting the bat head toward the mound at or just prior to trigger) I never see it being taught or discussed by coaches yet the vast majority of mlb players do this as part of their swing. In my opinion it puts the lead elbow in the ideal slot before contact.

radial deviation (which is the act of cocking the wrist tilting the bat head toward the mound at or just prior to trigger) I never see it being taught or discussed by coaches yet the vast majority of mlb players do this as part of their swing. In my opinion it puts the lead elbow in the ideal slot before contact.

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Assume you mean bottom hand wrist?

Good observation.

Generally referred to as the "hinge angle" on internet hitting boards. It comes up a lot in hitting threads, typically referred to in that way. It is a big part of the teaching by a lot of guys I know. Absolutely essential to set that hinge, IMO. And to maintain it until the hitter is around the corner, nearing contact.


I'm not sure I share your observation about this action alone putting the lead elbow in the correct "slot." (I find the word "slot" as it relates to the front elbow confusing, because "slot" is a term used by many for position of the REAR elbow.) But I know what you mean. I actually think the position of the shoulders / maintaining connection have a lot to do with theat front elbow position.

But again, you're right that getting it to that instantly recognizable position favored by virtually all elite hitters is a very good thing.

Best regards,

Scott

You are so correct ssarge it is definately not the sole thing that gets a hitter in that so called slot that some teach. But it is the beginning part of the sequence that helps the elite hitter to be in the more desirable position at contact. Thanks for the term "hinge angle"

Guru,

Here is why you don't see it being taught by softball coaches. There is still an overwhelming majority of coaches throughout all levels who think minimizing movement, helps hitters get to the ball on time. They think that any hand movement, stride movement etc. doesn't allow hitters to get to the ball on time. Those are the same coaches who just kill me with "don't wrap the bat" talk.

I believe there are good coaches that teach this method, however, using different terminology. I think the first time I heard "radial deviation" was from a hitting students father who bought a Tom Emanski video.

I spend a great deal of time with my hitters teaching the concept of creating and maintaining proper angles in both wrists and both elbows. This is essential to allow the proper sequence and body parts to get the angles created by the wrists and elbows to release those angles through the hitting zone.

My opinion on radial deviation and the lead elbow. Your lead elbow can still get to a good position without your bottom hand wrist maintaining an angle. You can still cast early from a good lead elbow position.

I do not believe you can get a bottom hand to a good position without a good lead elbow move. It's my opinion that the wrists are more of an effect of the elbows, not a cause for what the elbows do.

I do not believe you can get a bottom hand to a good position without a good lead elbow move. It's my opinion that the wrists are more of an effect of the elbows, not a cause for what the elbows do.

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Good conclusion. That is how the kinetic chain works. The body's core controls movement of the appendages, from the top of the appendage to the most distal link.

Doesn't feel that way, sometimes, especially with the hands. But it IS reality.

Regards,

Scott

with the hinge angle and a (flat knob) as I call it where the batter pulls with the bottom hand a squared flatknob of the bat(some call this bat lag per candreia) towards the point of impact with the ball when done properly always sets the lead arm in a great position. My terminology is different because What I have learned simply by observation with the help of Tivo and trial and error on my DD and not on boards or clinics This method also works extremely well for my DD in hitting the outside pitch to the opposite field up to HR's in college, not bloopers but line drive bullets

Good discussion. Any photos that clearly demonstrate the hinge angle flat knob would greatly benefit this thread.

with the hinge angle and a (flat knob) as I call it where the batter pulls with the bottom hand a squared flatknob of the bat(some call this bat lag per candreia) towards the point of impact with the ball

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Is this in some way referring to hands to the ball. The first move is always interesting because at the end of the day(swing) the top hand has to be about 22" away from the ball...yes?

ssargescottsarginson said:

"The body's core controls movement of the appendages, from the top of the appendage to the most distal link.

"Doesn't feel that way, sometimes, especially with the hands. But it IS reality."

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Strongly disagree.

You're a doctor, quote a medical journal or textbook to support your disagreement. I'm prepared to cite an extensive bibliography supporting my position.

link to a bonds swing frame 4 on Guins analysis. I don't like all of his swing because he was a strict pull hitter. The front half is awesome though.Bonds at bat