What powers the barrel turn?

[Howe]

^^^This is what I think is the hardest concept for most kids to get

Check out what he does with the top hand wrist on that location. Notice how he loads the barrel into the swing launch. Swing launch and barrel launch are not the same thing. Separating them allows for a clearer discussion.

Wanna teach your hitter how to stay long through the ball? Get them into the position young Manny is in at the end of that gif. Get the top hand right. From there, ask them to complete the swing - full out-front extension. Now work back to the top of the hand-set. Work on being short to while long through.

 

[PEPPERS]

Check out what he does with the top hand wrist on that location. Notice how he loads the barrel into the swing launch. Swing launch and barrel launch are not the same thing. Separating them allows for a clearer discussion.

Wanna teach your hitter how to stay long through the ball? Get them into the position young Manny is in at the end of that gif. Get the top hand right. From there, ask them to complete the swing - full out-front extension. Now work back to the top of the hand-set. Work on being short to while long through.

Howe a question. I was watching a college softball game on TV the other day and one of the announcers made the comment after a hitter had launched a rise ball over the fence, the statement was made that some hitters are beginning to use a split grip, which they claimed produces a top hand heavy swing, against rise ball pitchers. I've been meaning to grab a bat and experiment, but weather and time has not given me the opportunity to experiment so far.

I would like to know your thoughts.

Thanks

 

[bullethead]

^^^This is what I think is the hardest concept for most kids to get

^^^This is how you WHIP the s**t out of the bat.

Get off the computer, actually pick up a bat and go stand b/t a couple of mirrors and emulate. Then help your kid do it. Describe however you want, the video coupled with ACTUAL emulation is priceless.

 

[Howe]

Howe a question. I was watching a college softball game on TV the other day and one of the announcers made the comment after a hitter had launched a rise ball over the fence, the statement was made that some hitters are beginning to use a split grip, which they claimed produces a top hand heavy swing, against rise ball pitchers. I've been meaning to grab a bat and experiment, but weather and time has not given me the opportunity to experiment so far.

I would like to know your thoughts.

Thanks

Hi Peppers,
I'm sorry, it's not something that I've ever worked on or have experience with. It wouldn't be fair for me to comment.

 

[Howe]

^^^This is how you WHIP the s**t out of the bat.

Get off the computer, actually pick up a bat and go stand b/t a couple of mirrors and emulate. Then help your kid do it. Describe however you want, the video coupled with ACTUAL emulation is priceless.

That is where the whip comes into play.

 

[Howe]

Here's a fun one.

 

[FP26]

Here's a fun one.

Two things jump out at me immediately.

1) He does an excellent job of keeping his hands inside the ball on a very difficult pitch to handle (probably should not have swung at all...)
2) His rear elbow maintains distance from his torso -- does not get stuck.