What it is
Before the hitter attacks the ball, the hands need to be in a comfortable position where they are relaxed. There is no one required hand position — different hitters can begin with their hands in different places.
Why it matters
The hands are Coach Bass's focal point: the most important part of hitting. They start the swing, and they are what turns the body. A comfortable, relaxed start is what lets them do that work. There is no one required hand position, because Coach Bass develops the hitter instead of replacing the swing, and the best movement is less movement.
What to look for
A starting position that looks comfortable and relaxed for THIS hitter — not a copy of someone else's stance.
How to do it
Find the starting position that is comfortable and relaxed for you, not a copy of someone else's. Make it repeatable, and get the hands to that same spot when you start the load. Then let the hands start the swing: the bottom hand throws the knob and the back hand throws the barrel, at the same time.
What good looks like
Relaxed hands that start from the same place every time and do the work: the knob keeps moving to the ball, the barrel gets to the ball instead of dragging, and the body follows the hands instead of pulling them.