BlueDog,
With all due respect, I suggest that you do a little more research on reciprocal inhibition. It will clearly explain why you should be relaxed when hitting. With more research you will understand. As far as starting with the hands. If you mentally start with the hands it will cause the body to function in better timing, as it will help the hips and hands work together. I understand that you disagree, and that is fine. I have had much success, with this and have never had a kid struggle when they employ the three suggestions that I offered above. If you disagree that is fine, the suggestions were for the young man requesting help. I do enjoy your input, even though we do not always see eye to eye. That's baseball, it would be pretty boring if everyone did it the same.