Releasing Hand on the back swing

I see no problem with it but you will get the oppo opinion I'm sure - my son has done it for years and been video taped just to make sure he is not releasing too soon.

My son is a freshman in HS. Has been hitting this way for 7 years. Yet now his new coaches are trying to change it. Is there anything he can do to not upset the coaches and not be labeled uncoachable? Will it have to wait until he can show how he does in game situations?

When my son is hitting at his best he does let go but his finish includes his right hand coming through to his left side of his head, If he is doing that I would doubt the coaches would have a problem - but everyone has thier own way of teaching. Bottom line - do as the coach tells you and once in season if he is getting hits they wont care.

Thanks catcher09. That is what I told him to do, is pay attention to his coaches until he can show it in a game situation and if he hits nobody will care anymore. He's a good kid with a great attitude and I just want it to stay that way.

If the bottom hand "pulls" the bat out of the top hand during follow through, as part of front arm extension, it is not a problem.

I would not recommend teaching someone to consciously let go of the bat with the top hand. Sometimes that can lead to letting go of the bat too soon and losing power.

quote:

Originally posted by bb1:
Just wondering what everyones feeling is on a hitter releasing one hand after contact is made? I see a lot of hitters do it especially lefties. Is there someting wrong if a hitter does or doesn't do it. Is one way better than the other? I remember Mattingly used to do it and Boggs too.

In my experience, guys who don't release one hand often have balance problems during their follow-throughs.

However, you have to let go well after the Point Of Contact. Usually when the bat is pointing at 3B for a RHB.

For many with big time cuts, releasing top hand simply relieves some stress/pressure on the lower back.