Video played role in Dunn's big HRs
September, 25, 2012
9/25/12
1:53
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO -- Chicago White Sox hitting coach Jeff Manto has mixed feeling about the use of video in his instruction.
Manto knows video can be useful -- it was in improving Adam Dunn's swing Monday, leading to two home runs in the White Sox’s win over the Cleveland Indians -- but he also believes it can be a crutch for players.
“This day and age, a lot of guys love the video,” Manto said prior to Tuesday’s game. “It becomes a tool for them, sometimes too much of a tool where they get caught up watching themselves on video, worrying about mechanics too much more than worrying about the ball.
“So it's one of those fine lines where you have to really police and make sure these guys aren't going into the video room just to watch themselves hit. Some guys, they reinforce bad thoughts and stuff like that. So it's a pretty delicate balance.”
If Manto had a preference, he’d opt for other teaching tools.
“I'm one of those guys that shies away from (video) more than go to it,” Manto said. “I'd rather have the guys feel what they're doing rather than watching for mechanics all the time. Mechanics are obviously very important, but when you take your mind off the ball and start worrying about other things other than the ball, things can really start to run away on you."
But on Monday, video was useful in explaining to Dunn why he struck out in his first two at-bats and what he needed to alter for his final two plate appearances, both home runs.
“It comes in handy periodically and sure enough it did (Monday) just to prove to him,” Manto said. “Sometimes you need to see it, what you are doing. He had a chance to look at what he was doing and it coincided with what I was explaining.
“What was happening with him was that he was getting a little too far out on his leg. He didn’t have a good base working and what we tried to do is explain, tell him get back on his legs and stay on your legs as best as you can. He’s such a good hitter, that it was a simple fix.”
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AP Photo/John SmierciakAdam Dunn turned to video to help his approach for his final two at-bats, and it paid off.
AP Photo/John SmierciakAdam Dunn turned to video to help his approach for his final two at-bats, and it paid off.“This day and age, a lot of guys love the video,” Manto said prior to Tuesday’s game. “It becomes a tool for them, sometimes too much of a tool where they get caught up watching themselves on video, worrying about mechanics too much more than worrying about the ball.
“So it's one of those fine lines where you have to really police and make sure these guys aren't going into the video room just to watch themselves hit. Some guys, they reinforce bad thoughts and stuff like that. So it's a pretty delicate balance.”
If Manto had a preference, he’d opt for other teaching tools.
“I'm one of those guys that shies away from (video) more than go to it,” Manto said. “I'd rather have the guys feel what they're doing rather than watching for mechanics all the time. Mechanics are obviously very important, but when you take your mind off the ball and start worrying about other things other than the ball, things can really start to run away on you."
But on Monday, video was useful in explaining to Dunn why he struck out in his first two at-bats and what he needed to alter for his final two plate appearances, both home runs.
“It comes in handy periodically and sure enough it did (Monday) just to prove to him,” Manto said. “Sometimes you need to see it, what you are doing. He had a chance to look at what he was doing and it coincided with what I was explaining.
“What was happening with him was that he was getting a little too far out on his leg. He didn’t have a good base working and what we tried to do is explain, tell him get back on his legs and stay on your legs as best as you can. He’s such a good hitter, that it was a simple fix.”

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