Elite Bat Path vs Knob to Ball Explanation - The Hitting Vault

[@YourPastorDad]

W hat about Tony Gwinn or Albert Pujols or Carlos Beltran, all strong on knob to ball swings. In this example the knob is turned too late. An earlier turn slots the elbow sooner and gets the barrel into the zone quicker. The problem I've had with "elite" swingers is they tend to pull their front hip out, limiting plate coverage and struggling to go oppo. Keep front hip in with strong resistance, drive hands to the ball with the back hip, follow long through pitch location. You'll get the rotational power you want without spinning on the pitch. Pitch an "elite" swinger in on the hands or outside edge of the plate. Lots of outs there. I think people often miss this hand movement in players like Gwinn and Pujols is because their hands are so darn fast. Slow them down frame by frame and watch their hands for that brief, short moment where the hands are going directly to the ball, and watch for movement more in the back hip forward than just a spin. You have to watch closely, but it's there. That's the difference that makes them truly elite.

[@richlovell-thebaseballbarn1008]

To comment to this statement of yours: "

[@lenhowser6784]

Great video. You put a lot of effort into explaining the differences. In drills they are obvious, in-game swings not so much. Really nice job. Both can work because in practice they are part perception and part practice. I have found teaching barrel to the ball more effective.

[@4Apple321]

Good analysis of swing mechanics. Initial movement of the barrel at launch is backwards. Combined with torso tilt back over your right hip which releases your stored torque in your back. This results in instant whipping barrel speed with the barrel on plane almost immediately. Strong right backside, core, right leg provides all your power. The contrary steep push swing which began in the early -mid 60’s ruined my swing and confidence. It was the old Charlie Lau believers who started pushing that swing theory out and which you still hear at all levels of baseball today. Even many MLB guys say and teach it, but if you watch video of their swing, it is evident that they don’t swing as they teach. They don’t understand their own swing. That’s why video analysis is crucial. The video doesn’t lie. Now with digital video capability in phones there is no excuse not to use the technology to film and analyze the truth.

[@commomcents]

Swing the knob and the barrels follows is what Tony Gwynn stated.The first swing is swinging the knob and the other is know to ball..Big difference

[@charliemurphy3529]

Very good explanation - I play senior softball and am finding that this is even more important in slow pitch - so you get good momentum, just recently, I found that keeping my hands relaxed until I get close the ball - and then tighten the grip using just three fingers on each hand to control and snap the bat seems to help me a lot. Finger # - Regular name --------------- Medical name (Latin) 1 Thumb - Pollex 2 Index finger - (also known as pointer finger, fore finger) Digitus Secundus Manus 3 Middle finger - Digitus Me'dius

[@ccarpenter2k]

Seriously sounds like horrible mechanics 😂

[@Cbockhoff]

Nice video! Like I always say you want your hands moving in the pattern of the Nike swoosh, the top part of the swoosh not the long drawn out bottom part. You show it nicely here. And who in the world could not pick out the knob to ball swing between those two comparisons... very easy to see the elite swing!

[@theswingmechanic]

That's an elite swing? first of all, she can't even do it in regular motion. That should tell you something.

[@bk2524]

Awesome video. Thank you

[@nickr7437]

You aren't wrong, but I don't think that is what people mean by knob to the ball. I think the idea is that you aren't getting your barrel out there until the very last second. You do what ever you normally do to generate power with the swing, but you are (initially) getting your bat on path to the ball. What ends up happening is that right up until a fraction of a second before contact, the bat is facing towards the backstop/catcher. Towards the end of the swing, the rotation of the shoulders pulls the left hand and therefore the knob of the bat, while the right hand rolls exposing the bat head. This is what generates the whipping action. If you look at the videos Mike trout did with Zepp, you'll see a perfect example of this philosophy. Watch this video, at the time index 2:06 in 1/4 speed slow motion: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqnWlISsiMuins0

[@CommentingTheTruth]

I am considering the coach program. I have a 12u daughter I want to get to the next level. As a bonus would any of the training be helpful for myself as I play slow pitch?

[@Sickgame999]

I have been researching the High Level Swing and alot of them speak about the wrist swivel and allowing your lower half to burst. This is a difficult teach and feel and can create easy disconnection if not done properly. You mention turning the barrel with your core. Do you have any drills or demonstrations (besides this cideo) that show this?

[@crzluke]

Really nice video

[@zebman9228]

I see some disagreement. I would say that knob to the ball is correct - the only difference is how far forward you go with the knob before the bat rotation begins torso, forearms, wrist. Anything that gets bat on plane early, but does no slow bat, has got to be good.

[@KAICOONMEDIARAW]

so you telling me Tony Gwynn wrong a player who hit 300 his whole career Josh Donaldson has really confuse people

[@jc3productions362]

Yes. He was. Just cause a player says something happens doesn’t mean it actually happens. Same with Arod. Do as they do, not as they say

[@uhit3353]

Lol. You can stil turn with your core and hips and have a knob to ball swing. The cue is about direction.

[@Coach-V]

This isnt correct teaching for using a knob at all which is why it looks so bad in comparison. Your hips and core should fire while "pulling" the knob through, not pushing. I would encourage watching the actual hittingknob videos for correct instruction on the mechanics

[@addisonestes1219]

This is what a lot of instructors are teaching as knob to ball. Which is why so many people are against it.

[@mikemurphy8996]

Front foot should be open more. It should be facing the pitcher

[@ramossoftball4883]

Not buying this vid, your dropping your back shoulder on purpose, everything has to rotate under the chin, pulling the front shoulder as fast and hard as possible, the hip comes with it automatically...

[@Arnord62]

Great Video! Thank you very much