Posted by: Jack Mankin (Batspeed@verizon.net) on Sat Dec 15 16:24:11 2012

In this video of our series on Fastpitch Hitting Mechanics, we will address the linear mechanic "Swing Down on the Ball" or it may be referred to as the linear cue "keep the bat above the ball."
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Hi All

When we look at the path the bat-head takes, both linear and rotational coaches agree the bat-head begins on a downward path -- bottoms-out at some point -- and then finishes high during the follow-through. When the bat's downward path should bottom out and its' trajectory in the contact zone is where they disagree.

Rotational coaches believe it is more productive to have the bat-head's downward trajectory bottom out farther back and be on an up-slope in the contact zone. Linear coaches would disagree. They contend a downward trajectory at contact is more productive.

There appears to be 'two' main reasons why some coaches believe striking the ball on a downward path produces better results. One reason given is that swinging down on the ball creates "back-spin" that causes the ball to carry farther. Since we cover the topic of back-spin in our "bat/ball collision" video, I am now going to address the other reason many coaches feel That 'keeping the bat-head above the ball' is more productive for Fast Pitch hitting.

These coaches would point out, that one of the main reasons why the 'baseball swing' does not work well in F/P, is because of the trajectory of the incoming pitches. Due to the F/P pitchers' low release point, the ball is on an up-ward, or "Rising" trajectory. Therefore, for the swing plane to match the Rise ball, the batter should 'keep the bat above the ball' and angling down to contact.

This is the theory put forth, but is it supported by the swing plane of the best hitters, or, is it just another linear "Truism"? To find out, let us take a look at the plane of some of the better Fast Pitch hitters.

The "Rise Ball" & The Swing Plane

One final point to ponder: If a ball rising in the contact zone made the 'upper-cut' swing ineffective, Major League Baseball would be packed with submarine style pitchers.

Note: Below are links to the “Linear - Do's & Don'ts" hitting concepts we address in this “Fastpitch Hitting Series.”
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Linear "Do's & Don'ts"

* Introduction – Why This Fastpitch Series?

* "Weight Shift" -- Don't "Spin"

* "Pop Your Hips" - but - "Keep Your Shoulder In-There"
* High Back Elbow – Good or Bad?

* "Don't Cast" -- "Keep Your Hands In-side The Ball"

* ”Get Your Arms Extended”

* "Swing Down" -- "Keep The Bat-Head Above The Ball"

* "Rise Ball" "Don't Hit Around The Ball" "Swing Through The Ball"
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I will make the links above live as soon as they are available

Jack Mankin