Snap It! Learn about the Hand Pivot or “Snap” that has made the HLP Swing so popular In hitting circles online
In this video tutorial, Coach AJ Arroyo, a dedicated advocate of the HLP approach, offers a detailed explanation of the hand pivot and its role in the High Level Pattern baseball swing. Teacherman refers this motion as the “Snap” which accurately explains the feeling when executed correctly.
Arroyo begins by addressing common misconceptions about the hand pivot, particularly the tendency of players to focus on the wrong movement. Traditional coaching often emphasizes a “knob to the ball” approach, where hitters are trained to swing down and cut across their bodies. While diligent players may master this technique, it typically limits their effectiveness, as it fails to utilize the full depth and power that the hand pivot can provide.
The hand pivot, as explained by Arroyo, involves generating force from behind the hitter, rather than in front of them. This allows for greater depth in the swing, which is crucial for maintaining the bat on the correct plane and maximizing the power of the swing.
However, Arroyo warns that many players, especially those learning on their own, often mistake the initial feeling of the hand pivot for something else, leading to poor execution and inconsistent results.
To help players understand and practice the correct hand pivot, Arroyo introduces a series of drills. One such drill involves placing a band around the neck to eliminate the use of the arms in the swing.
By focusing solely on the hand pivot and the turn of the barrel behind them, hitters can develop the necessary feel for generating power from the correct position. Arroyo emphasizes that the goal is to create a tight, north-south motion, with minimal east-west movement, to ensure the swing remains powerful and efficient.
Arroyo also discusses the importance of the “ratio” in the HLP swing, which involves balancing the coil, forward movement, and upward stretch along the back. He advises starting with a no-stride approach to develop this balance, gradually incorporating more complex movements as the hitter becomes more comfortable with the technique.
Mastering the hand pivot or Snap in the HLP baseball swing requires patience, discipline, and a willingness to embrace a different approach to hitting. Pick up your bat and rep the motion as much and as often as you can!
