Bat Speed -- Baseball Hitting Forum

Posted by: Jerry () on Fri Apr 25 07:47:57 2003

From what I can see by looking at the player at the top of this page, he does in fact have translational movement. This movement does not mean that the batters weight should necessarily be out over the front leg, but as a batter picks up his front leg his weight automatically goes back. Then as the swing begins, this weight is shifted from the loaded position (back) to through the baseball at the point of contact. The swing involves rotational movement as well as translational movement.
> > > >
> > > > I agree with Mr. Mankin in that the force that initiates the rotation of the swing begins in the legs. However, I think it begins with shifting the weight to the back leg, and then getting it shifted forward as you rotate. If one were to simply rotate around a fixed axis with no translational movement, the only way they could generate power would be to shift their weight upwards. I think that this results in the weight never getting through the ball at the point of contact. I guess if you're Barry Bonds or Sammy Sosa you would still be able to hit the ball out of the park, but the average sized high school player would not have consistent success.
> > >
> > > Could you please explain what "translational" movement means? Thanks
> >
> > Translational movement is forward movement in the swing.
>
>
> I'm sorry, but to be able to do anything we (at least I) need a better definition than that. If it is just that simple then no one can say if it is good or bad. It can be both. You need to say WHEN the forward movement BEGINS and ENDS? It would also be helpful to know how much weight is shifted.

To KRSTRKZONE7: As I previously asked, when you say translational movement is forward movement in the swing, do you mean forward movement of the body? Or are you referring to the lateral movement of the bat (since the bat moves laterally as well as down). I really would appreciate an answer and I hope you won't let less-than-polite remarks from others deter you. I just want to understand. Thanks so much. Jerry

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Translational Movement shoelessjoe [ Tue Apr 29 00:20:46 2003 ]

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> From what I can see by looking at the player at the top of this page, he does in fact have translational movement. This movement does not mean that the batters weight should necessarily be out over the front leg, but as a batter picks up his front leg his weight automatically goes back. Then as the swing begins, this weight is shifted from the loaded position (back) to through the baseball at the point of contact. The swing involves rotational movement as well as translational movement.
> > > > > 
> > > > > I agree with Mr. Mankin in that the force that initiates the rotation of the swing begins in the legs. However, I think it begins with shifting the weight to the back leg, and then getting it shifted forward as you rotate. If one were to simply rotate around a fixed axis with no translational movement, the only way they could generate power would be to shift their weight upwards. I think that this results in the weight never getting through the ball at the point of contact. I guess if you're Barry Bonds or Sammy Sosa you would still be able to hit the ball out of the park, but the average sized high school player would not have consistent success.
> > > > 
> > > > Could you please explain what "translational"  movement means?  Thanks
> > > 
> > > Translational movement is forward movement in the swing.
> > 
> > 
> > I'm sorry, but to be able to do anything we (at least I) need a better definition than that.  If it is just that simple then no one can say if it is good or bad.  It can be both.  You need to say WHEN the forward movement BEGINS and ENDS?  It would also be helpful to know how much weight is shifted.
> 
> To KRSTRKZONE7: As I previously asked, when you say translational movement is forward movement in the swing, do you mean forward movement of the body? Or are you referring to the lateral movement of the bat (since the bat moves laterally as well as down). I really would appreciate an answer and I hope you won't let less-than-polite remarks from others deter you. I just want to understand. Thanks so much. Jerry

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