Lead Arm Lock-Up

[NewbieBBDad]

From JBooth's link:
http://wms17.streamhoster.com/firstp...portsfilms.wmv

I noticed how Johnny Bench in particular had a pretty stiff and extended lead arm when he initiates his swing. Johnny Bench was a power hitter so I was curious about this. He seems to use his lead arm wrist instead of his elbow to snap into the power-V after contact.

Is a stiff and extended lead arm OK for over the middle and outside pitches? Is it suboptimal, i.e. a loss of power?

[CoachHenry]

We could speak pysics all day but then you have to consider that some players just do certain things and excel at it while other players to other things and excel at it. Johnny Bench is kind of a stiff player anyway. Watching him catch you aren't reminded of a fluid dancer at all but more like a fullback and the rest of his playing followed.

[NewbieBBDad]

No other responses??? This is a Hall of Famer slugger who doesn't maintain a box. I figured there would be some discussion.

[Jake Patterson]

No other responses??? This is a Hall of Famer slugger who doesn't maintain a box. I figured there would be some discussion.

I always have a hard time with these discussions because no one maintains the box throughout the whole swing. So I ask maintain the box until when?

[NewbieBBDad]

I always have a hard time with these discussions because no one maintains the box throughout the whole swing. So I ask maintain the box until when?

Hi Jake, I think this one is different. Bench locks up his arm at launch and so there is never a box with him.

[Jake Patterson]

Hi Jake, I think this one is different. Bench locks up his arm at launch and so there is never a box with him.

If you are looking at clip number two I would disagree. While he may not be maintaining a perfect box to contact he certainly starts with one.