Posted by: rql () on Sun Dec 21 17:30:31 2003

>>> How do you hook the handpath and at the same time unfold the elbows?
> <<<
> > >
> > > Hi Lamber
> > >
> > > I am assuming the “unfold the elbows” relates to the extension of the arms.
> --- The un-flexing (arm straightened) of the lead-elbow should occur early in
> the swing or the flex should remain through contact. Un-flexing the elbow to
> extend the hands toward contact only produces negative results (straightens
> the hand-path and reduces the hook effect and BHT with no pluses).
> > >
> > > Extending the back-elbow also reduces the amount of bat speed that can
> be obtained from the hook and BHT. But, by applying THT, that reduction is
> offset by the bat speed gained from a wider hand-path and THT applied over
> a greater portion of the swing. --- Early bat-head acceleration gained from
> applying THT allows the batter to maintain a high rate of angular
> displacement even with the wider hand-path.
> > >
> > > So Arod’s (and others) mechanics makes a tradeoff. Lower BHT but
> higher THT. – Less hook effect but more bat speed from the wider hand-path.
> The same would be true for Bonds and Sosa on outside pitches.
> > >
> > > Jack Mankin
> > >
> >
> > The wider handpath is the center of our disagreement. I call it linear as a
> hitter extends his arms in a "to the ball" fashion. You call it more THT and less
> BHT.
> >
> > Isn't THT the act of pulling the bat/barrel toward the catcher. I don't extend
> my arms when I use THT. I don't associate extension of the arms (forward) as
> a THT movement. Arod is pushing toward the pitcher with his top hand. Or at
> least toward the ball..
> >
> > And, your statement "the same would be true for Bonds and Sosa on
> outside pitches" raises the question..."why does Arod do it on every pitch".
> They only do it on outside pitches.
> >
> > And the answer is....this is more than a difference in amounts of THT and
> BHT. These two groups of hitters hit with different techniques. Arod is a good
> example of a linear upper half. Bonds and Sosa are rotational both upper
> and lower.
>
> My interpretation is that "linear" usually means there is disconnection/
> deceleration before contact because the radius of the center of rotation of the
> center of mass of the bat lengthens instead of remaining corcular or
> shortening.It would relaly help to see all these players on video fron the
> overhead view or orthogonal to the swingplane with either batspeed
> mesurement or enough frames persecong video that deceleration could be
> seen(1000 frames persecond seems the max in most scientific work).
>
> I would guess Arod and Bonds are both rotational in this sense with Bonds
> being quicker.I also would guess that Bonds does NOT tradeoff much in terms
> of maximum batspeed.
>
> What are John Elliott's numbers ?

>I do not have arod video but Griffey I do and the shots I see with him when he is extending are pitches away but lead elbow is close to front pectorial.The difference that I see with Griffey is that he has such long arms and height that he not only covers the outside pitch he can pull it as well where most have to hit it further back to center or away.I think mac is the same pull most everything hit outside of ball and overpower it[it may only use 1 timing mode as well.What I do see on balls on the inner 3rd of plate is Griffey working hard to stay inside of ball with those long arms but he can draw them in tight with no extension and hit the ball out as he should.