Posted by: THG () on Tue Nov 13 21:07:38 2007

> > > Why is it that coaches seem to think that they have to choose between two styles of teaching? Is there a better way?
> > >
> > > Jimmy
> >
> >
> > The reason is that these are typically the only styles is that linear is supposed to be for contact and or high average hitters and rotational is supposed to be more for power.
> >
> > A more relevent all or nothing 2 part concept would be which one is more important: launch angle of the hit or the players energy to the ball.
>
> THG,
>
> Your question...
> "which one is more important: launch angle of the hit or the players energy to the ball."
>
> Very well said. But why do we need to choose? I believe both are equally as important.
>
> Hitters should incorporate both principles in their swing to achieve the ultimate goal. High percentage contact with Powerful energy through the ball.
>
> Does this make sense?
>
> Jimmy


Jimmy. What you say makes sense, but more often than not it comes down to either or.

The reason why is that many hitters who are drafted do not at that time have a major league swing. But they were strong and gifted enough to find a way to get the bat to the ball in making hard contact. Also in many cases they are men among boys size wise.

This is one reason why we see so many hitters not be able to perform against better pitching. Their technique somehow prohibits them from lining the bat angle properly against the fastball. They end up swinging under an pitch in which they get a late start to the ball. And since the swing is an upswing the bat head must come up to meet the ball. That is perhaps the only reason why linear hitting might be thought to have merit. Because the thought is that the bat starts out higher and comes across sooner which would put the bat in the plane longer.

In addition there can be an argument that swing quickness can be more valuable than batspeed. I find it amazing how effectively Dustin Pedroia hits pitches in all locations especially up in the zone. Ichiro is another case of a hitter who gets the most out of swing quickness and bat angle. Because when one looks at his approach it would appear he could be blown away with the fastball up (which he is against above average fastballs.) Of course the problem is pitching location, for which there are enough mistakes made to have him center the fat pitches.