Posted by: dougdinger () on Mon Jun 23 22:03:14 2003

Neat site. I've been here quite a bit, a lot a couple years ago when it started, but never posted. A couple of suggestions.

1. The animations are kind of hard to follow. Especially in the mechanics section. It looks like you look at him at 45 degrees and at the end it looks like you're staring at him straight on perpendicular. His one arm could be longer in the next frame. I noticed in his stance, his hands are just below his shoulders. The stride frame then shows he brought his hands around his belly button. The launch position shows his hands magicly moved up level to his shoulders. His front arm could be fully extended in one frame, and bent in the next frame.
So would it be possible if you could show a real video of a real person swinging? Maybe yourself, or one of your students? Since people send in videos to you, could you have someone's video clip in the mechanics section instead of the choppy animation, and even show stills for frames? I think it would definately clear things up.

Also what might be interesting is showing one of your students before/after swing, particularly in a testimonial section.

Another problem is the language on this site. What's all this top-hand torque, turn-knee-this-way-at-this-time, back elbow inline with front shoulder, hips 20 degrees from back elbow????

I know the swing is very complicated, but when you hit do you really think about angles and degrees? Can you really tell if you have the right angles? Scouts don't look at those things, neither do coaches or pro ballplayers. Maybe things like dipping back shoulder too much, front arm/leg extended, back arm/leg forming "L" shape, and head movement.
So is there are way we can eliminate such a scientific vocabulary and use more baseball terms? I know the swing is hard to master, but its harder to master when you can't understand what we're talking about here.
Things like rotation around a stationary axis, and 'L' position are understandable, but torque and inertia just isn't baseball to me.
Once again, pictures or video clips would definately help everyone out with the swing.

And Jack, don't if anyone's done this, but thanks for all the research. Must have taken some time, hard work, and commitment. And to all. It isn't just technique that helps you hit, it's focus and concentration, following the ball, patience, balance, and practice.