Posted by: Jack Mankin (mrbatspeed@aol.com) on Sun Dec 7 10:39:05 2003

>>> Andy,

I threw this together this morning, just for fun. ;)

It only took about 10 mins. tho.

http://members.cox.net/wclittleleague/Andy%20vs.%20Gonzo%20-%20swing%20planes.gif

Enjoy,
Sandman <<<

Hi Sandman

You did a great job of getting the two swing clips to sequence together. As you may have noticed, I seldom comment on a hitter’s mechanics from a single swing clip with one position to view. However, an important batting mechanical principle can be pointed out by comparing the difference in the transfer mechanics of these two swings.

For the batter to generate maximum angular bat-head displacement (earlier bat speed), the hands must be accelerated into a circular path at initiation (like swinging a ball on a string). In order to produce the most efficient circular hand-path, the batter’s transfer mechanics must launch the hands on a path more perpendicular to the flight of the incoming ball. --- From the positions shown in these two clips, the hands should be initiated fairly straight out toward the camera.

As Gonzo initiates his swing, the trajectory of his hand-path is first directed perpendicular (top of the circle) to the path of the ball (a 90 degree angle to the ball), whereas Andy’s mechanics launch his hands more parallel to the ball (45 degrees to the ball). This means that Gonzo will generate greater bat speed and bring the bat to contact farther back in the swing (back-arm less extended).

There is another important bio-mechanic principle to keep in mind. --- "A ballistic motion, once initiated, produces trajectories that can only be efficiently changed at its margins." --- This means a batter cannot launch his hands more parallel to the ball (or a fence), and later develop an efficient hand-path.

Sandman, we are running out of space with this thread. Therefore, I am starting it as a new thread.

Jack Mankin