Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Mon Aug 4 15:36:57 2003

>>> I try not to separate the swing from the follow thru though top speed should be at or just before contact.If you think of the follow thru and when to coast you will have trouble exploding through contact. <<<

Hi RQL

I understand your point that we would not want the bat to decelerate before the ball has left the bat. But the bat only moves ¾ of an inch from contact until the ball is gone. Therefore exploding through contact is a very short distance, and of what value is expending energy after the ball is gone. So this is another place where timing plays an important role. For maximum effect, you can’t peak too soon – or too late.

PS: Obviously, a lumberjack does not explode through contact with a tree. He has expended all energy and his hands are motionless at contact. But then, he does not have to worry about timing a fastball. He is swinging at a still object. Much like a batter swinging at a heavy bag or tire.

Jack Mankin