Posted by: Lamber () on Mon Dec 22 08:08:18 2003

Hi Gentlemen
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> We are having a very interesting, and I must say, challenging discussion on what classifies a batter as being either a “linear” or “rotational” hitter. The more I analyze the differences we have with each other’s viewpoint, the more I am convinced it is a matter of how we interpret the two terms.
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> For us to communicate our ideas to each other, and avoid much confusion regarding a batter’s mechanics, we must be on the same page as to what the terms we are using actually mean. This is especially true in the linear vs rotational controversy.
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> At first I though it would helpful if we pooled our thoughts to see if we come together and agree on a common definition. This still may be a good idea. But, keep in mind, that the basis for definitions of swing mechanics at Batspeed.com is derived from the forces a batters transfer mechanics applies to the bat (CHP, THT and BHT).
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> Therefore, at this site, linear mechanics is viewed as applying linear (straight or inline) forces to the bat. Pure linear mechanics would generate a straight (A to B) hand-path and the force from each hand would be inline driving the bat linearly knob first at the ball. – I might add, that prior to this site coming online with findings from my study, those linear principles, "hands extending A to B" and "knob to ball" were taught by the vast majority of coaches.
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> Rotational mechanics applies rotational (chp and torque) forces to the bat. Rotational mechanics supply these forces by generating the optimum angular displacement in the hand-path while the hands apply force to the bat from opposing directions (torque). Therefore, I think you can see the problem I would have with a post that refers to Arod as having linear mechanics. But the poster may be right with his definition of linear mechanics.
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> What is your input on for defining linear or rotational mechanics?
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> A Joyous Merry Christmas to You All,
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> Jack Mankin
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This has been a most interesting conversation. I agree that linear is A to B. However, as the body rotates it disquises the A to B nature of a swing. In fact, every hitter rotates so every hitter has a circular hand path. If you had the ability to chart the hands of a hitter you'd see a circular hand path on everyone of them. The hitter who clearly goes A to B will show up circular because as the body rotates there will be a bend in his linear path. The question is really about connection and allowing the body to turn without arm interference.

A to B, to me, doesn't have to be toward the pitcher to make a hitter linear. It can be toward the ball also. Which means the hand path can look perpendicular to ball flight while at the same time be accomplished by simply extending the arms straight toward the contact zone in an A to B fashion. To me, this can look proper but is far from being generated by the rotational movement of the body. I feel the arms extending, or unfolding, to contact, which lengthens the radius, is a linear trait. This is what Arod does and makes him different than most all other mlb hitters. This lengthening of the radius can not be accomplished and still hook the hand path.

It is my belief that the definition of linear should also include some language that includes A to B and the extending or unfolding of the arms before contact and keeping the radius short.

That being said, it is very common for a rotational hitter to make linear adjustments to hit pitches in areas and at speeds that were not anticipated. And to me, that is one of the bonuses of rotational hitting. You have the ability to make adjustments after making poor decisions. Poor decisions that the pitcher causes. (by the way, that's his job so the better pitchers will cause more poor decisions, which creates a need for more adjustments)

This is the difference I see between Arod and most all of the others. He's linear on almost every pitch. How he's successful has to be written off to his talent and athletic ability. He's head and shoulders above most. As I said before, he looks to me like he throws his hands to the ball. He has a distinct lowering of the hands to the contact zone that is different than most mlb hitters. He launches his bat from his high setup area versus most hitters who lower the bat from setup to the launch position BEFORE launch. Their swing paths look more upward (match the plane) because the hands have already lowered to the launch position before launch. Arod's swing path looks downward to level because he launches from his setup position. I don't know how you can do that without using the arms in an A to B fashion and by extending or unfolding at the elbows and by lengthening the radius.

And finally, when analyzing a swing clip, pitch speed and location must be determined first before any conclusion can be made.