Hands on bat

deldad:

Perhaps if you looked at it as rotational vs. linear it would be more understandable? You're welcome.

Seriously, I'm looking for some insight into the question of whether a hitter should keep both hands on the bat or is it ok to release after contact.

It doesn't really matter at all-because the ball has already left the bat (or in the catcher's glove if you whiffed), so whatever happens after the point of contact doesn't matter. The follow-through happens on its own. BUT-some players who keep both hands on the bat who have difficulty hitting the outside pitch are taught to let the top hand come off. This little mind trick helps them to reach out more on the oustide pitch-so they can hit them better. Even though they are actually letting go of the top-hand after contact, in their mind they are extending their back arm outward more-for some reason letting go of the top-hand plays a sort of mental illusion to a few people.

deldad:

You have a PM.

Thanks Mr. 3000.
Have a coach that is trying to change my son from releasing with the top hand to keeping both hands on the bat throughout. Before, I get involved I wanted to know all the pro's and con's to see if it was a battle worth fighting or if change was a good thing. I don't know it all and don't want to step on any toes unneccesarily.

Gotwood you have a PM

As long as both hands are still on the bat until just a little after contact, there is no effect on power. If the batter gets full & complete extension, the lower hand will pull the bat out of the upper hand during follow through.

The biggest thing to watch is that the upper hand doesn't start to loosen before contact occurs. This will cause degradation of bat control and loss of power. And it can be difficult to detect.

IMO, as long as the player hits through the ball it does not matter what he does with his hands after the ball leaves the bat.