Posted by: Enloe () on Thu Jul 31 10:56:23 2003

>>> Hi Jack and all
> Long time follower, (occasional poster)love this site. I am still wondering whether lateral flexion of the spine contributes to THT. I think it does and cannot see otherwise. Please explain my futility. The plane of the swing (unless shoulder high, has an up and down component) so too me we are dealing with with more than an axis other than the long axis of the spine. Jack I am not doubting your many hours of analysis, just cant figure out where some of this rotation takes place. Maybe the many articulations in the spine, or maybe the many empty spaces in my mind.
> Thank Enloe <<<
>
> Hi Enloe
>
> Sorry for the delay in my reply. --- I am not sure what you mean by, “whether lateral flexion of the spine contributes to THT. I think it does and cannot see otherwise.” Could you explain your thoughts on this a little more? --- As far as the swing plane is concerned, the plane need not always be perpendicular to the spine. A player may have his spine nearly vertical (standing tall) while generating a swing plane to accommodate a low pitch. I understand this may not answer your question but maybe I can contribute more after your reply.
>
> Jack Mankin
>
Thanks for the reply, and sorry for the confusion. From inward turn to the launch position, the rear elbow is lowered to the slot position. The back shoulder is also drawn closer to the back hip.(lateral flexion of spine) If a good connection is made, this action can produce angular displacement of the bathead torward the catcher. I think. Or maybe this is more of a passive movement to position the body for rotation around the long axis of the spine. I agree there are many hitters who hit low pitches with an upright posture, but they all seem to have a certain degree of lateral flexion. Which is perpindicular to the long axis. Hope this makes more sense than my previous gibber.
Thanks Enloe