How to Use 4 Knobs

How to Use 4 Knobs

How to Use 4 KNOBS

Load Stronger. Launch Quicker.

4 KNOBS is a baseball and softball hitting training device designed to help hitters see, feel, and hear their swing in real time. By training proper hand torque, swing axis, and launch timing, 4 KNOBS helps players develop a shorter, tighter, and more powerful swing — without relying on raw strength.

Easy as 1, 2, 3

SEE • FEEL • HEAR

  • SEE your swing radius and posture in real time
  • FEEL proper wrist torque, hand separation, and body connection
  • HEAR the audible click that confirms peak barrel acceleration

Bat speed is created primarily through better coordination, not brute strength. As legendary coach John Wooden said: “First correctly, then quickly.”

4 KNOBS trains your body and nervous system to move correctly first — then faster.

Step 0: Proper Setup (Very Important)

  • Choose the correct Right-Handed or Left-Handed 4 KNOBS model
  • The arm sling (yellow / orange) must face toward the pitcher
  • The arm sling dowel (black stick) sits under the sling
  • A metal stop sits just above the sling and creates the audible click at launch

⚠️ The arm sling is your swing axis and swing radius guidenot the barrel of the bat.

Snapping the barrel rearward or using the barrel as the swing axis creates a long, slow swing and poor posture.

Step 1: LOAD — Twist & Bend the Handle

“Load Stronger”

4 KNOBS trains separate hand control:

  • Top hand twists clockwise to cock the wrist
  • Bottom hand twists counterclockwise to position the barrel
  • The 4 KNOBS visually show how much torque is created

This twisting action:

  • Activates the muscles of the back
  • Integrates the spine and pelvis
  • Creates tension through the forearms and wrists

❌ Do NOT pinch back the back elbow
❌ Do NOT lift the elbow high to “show your numbers”

These actions cause counter-rotation, spinning, and long swing paths.

Step 2: READY TO LAUNCH — “Make the 4”

Find the Rotation Point

As you load:

  • The arm sling stays vertical
  • The handle turns to approximately 45 degrees
  • This creates the visible shape of the number “4”

This vertical arm sling position becomes your launch-ready swing axis.

The longer you keep the arm sling vertical:

  • The tighter your swing radius becomes
  • The later you can launch
  • The better your posture and barrel accuracy

🎯 Goal: Be shorter, tighter, and more precise — without sacrificing power.

Step 3: LAUNCH — Launch Quicker

Time to Fire

As the swing launches:

  • The arm sling dowel moves inside-out toward the back shoulder
  • There is NO early supination of the top hand
  • There is NO adduction of the back elbow

The spine, lats, and rhomboids engage explosively while:

  • The bottom hand braces
  • The front side delivers the barrel
  • The swing stays short and fast

❌ Do NOT pull or chicken-wing
❌ Do NOT drag the barrel
❌ Do NOT dump the barrel behind you
❌ Do NOT lean backward at the spine

The Audible Click — Peak Barrel Acceleration

When the arm sling rotates and hits the metal stop, you will HEAR the click.

This click tells you:

  • You are at peak barrel acceleration
  • It occurred as close to contact as possible

This is where the whipping effect happens — the knob hooks, the swing radius shortens, and bat speed peaks at contact.

Power with precision.

Why This Matters in Games

Great hitters:

  • Reach peak acceleration quickly
  • Can wait longer to decide
  • Drive the ball to all fields
  • Handle velocity and off-speed

One-dimensional hitters rely on extension and raw power. 4 KNOBS trains hitters to be adjustable, explosive, and consistent.

Training Protocol

  • 20–30 minutes, morning and evening
  • Focus on quality reps and feel
  • Reinforces proper movement patterns
  • Activates the central nervous system before practice

⚠️ Children under 10 years old must be supervised when using 4 KNOBS.

Final Thought

No two hitters feel movement the same — and that’s okay.

4 KNOBS gives you feedback, answers, and alternatives. Bring a growth mindset, ask questions, and find what works best for your swing.

4 KNOBS: Making good hitters GREAT.