Posted by: rql () on Wed Oct 1 19:27:04 2003

Jack so I know were on the same page what is your definition of the launch position.At toe touch,or barrel pointed at catcher or some other point.
> >
> > Hi rql
> >
> > My definition of the ‘launch position’ is when the batter has brought the bat and body to a position where he is ready to rotate and fully initiate the swing. --- The bat has swept into the swing plane (the barrel would be pointing (sweeping) in the direction of third base. The hands are at the back-shoulder. The back-elbow is lowering to the side. The hips have started to open (the rubber band is twisted) and shoulder rotation is being initiated.
> >
> > Jack Mankin
> > jack, i think i would pretty well agree with that description....perhaps a fine line between what you described and epstein's "torque position", except some people, myself included might argue that the shoulders are holding back just a little bit longer......also,in this position would you say the front heel has landed or just the front toe?

Here is my assessment given 30 frame film.I consider the launch position or beginning of the swing to be when lead heel comes down.I also see in this same frame the rear knee begin to drive down and in,also the rear elbow begins to come down and finally I see the lead shoulder begin to turn taking the knob down toward the ball.It is this pulling down with lead hand while the elbow pulls down making top hand pull back that creates tht.What I am unsure of is how we get prelaunch torque if launch is when lead heel comes down and swing begins.I thought load was happening all the way up to this point,then launch.Originally I thought launch was further along in the swing like when barrel was pointing at catcher so pre launch torque could happen before this.It still seems like Jack is saying something different here than I am grasping,soon it well be clearer.