Posted by: () on Fri Mar 21 22:47:09 2003

>>> your tilt-a-whirl analogy led me to research the conclusion that the interaction between a baseball bat and ball approximates what scientists call a chaotic system. (chaos results when the slightest change in the starting parameters of an interaction causes an entirely different end result) <<<
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> > > Hi Ray
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> > > The information below was on the site when it opened in 1998. It is part of “Swing Mechanics” (Frame #1) and contains the corner stone of my teaching philosophy.
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> > > Jack Mankin
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> > > Frame #1
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> > > "Initiating the swing"
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> > > How the swing is initiated is by far the most important part of the swing. How the batter develops energy for the swing and the direction of the forces he applies to the bat at this point will determine his mechanics for the balance of the swing.
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> > > "A ballistic motion, once initiated, produces trajectories that can only be efficiently changed at its margins."
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> > > Although the above biomechanical principle may appear complicated, once grasped it makes understanding and teaching the mechanics of the baseball swing far more clear. The principle basically means the batter does not have to remember when to "pop his hips," "squeeze the trigger," or any of other batting mechanic principles. Once the hitter has properly initiated his swing, the rhythm of the ensuing mechanics are on autopilot. From the launch position to follow-through, what to do with his front toe, hips, hands, and so on, need never enter the batter's mind. Forces he applied at the start of the swing determined the sequence of the following mechanics. Now, his total concentration is on timing and getting the plane of the swing inline with the path of the ball.
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> > >
> > Jack, I've always wondered about that swing clip. First off, why is it animated and not a 'live' clip from a game? Second, I see horrible disconnection with his hands. In about fames 6 and 7 his hands and arms drop down and disconnect from his body to get to the ball. It is very hard to tell because the clip is so chopy, but there appear to be other problems that make that swing look weird. That could be because it is animated. Maybe it's just me, but wouldn't you want to post a better, 'real life' clip to make you points more effective? If there were every any questions about the swing you could always point people to that clip, if it was worth looking at. Also, just because the ball was hit "well over 500 feet" doesn't mean that the mechanics used are any good. Ron Gant hit many long homeruns, and I think that most people would agree that he had terrible mechanics. Results do not necessarily equate to good mechanics.
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> Ron Gant has something that is very important if you wish to hit with power......he has strength, especially hand strength. Below average mechanics, but strength which has allowed him to have a successful career. Doug>>>


I agree, but if you have a very strong kid who wants to learn how to swing, I highly doubt you would teach him to swing like Gant. Strength is not the biggest issue when determining if a kid can hit or even hit for power. Gant was a remarkable athlete in the fact that he could swing like he did, and still be fairly successful at the major league level. 95% of us aren't that gifted. We need to swing correctly to maximize our abilities. Just think what he might have done if he swung properly.

All I am saying is that for this site to present that animated clip with no analization except "good results must equal good mechanics" is ridiculus. A site that has this much information about the swing should easily be able to produce a 'live' clip of someone properly demonstrating the swing that is 10 times better than that one.