Posted by: Shawn () on Tue Jan 6 16:47:32 2004

>>> It's hard to say who has a great swing because everybody produces force differently. Even if they "LOOK" (Jack) the same, they all are completely different hitters with their own absolutes. <<<
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> Hi Shawn
>
> If each hitter can make up his own forces and absolutes, then there are actually no good or bad swing mechanics. With that thinking, a good athlete could hit with the back-elbow remaining at shoulder level – if that’s the absolute he chooses. He need not rotate his shoulders – he may choose to use some force that nobody else is allowed to. Why should we even teach the basics of good hitting if the batter can make anything he chooses work anyway.
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> Jack Mankin
>

Jack,

Good question. No two people will use the body or muscles exactly the same so why teach mechanics.

Mechanics tell use what it looks like, but only if we learn how to produce or apply the forces according to the mechanical model will they be useful.

Jack are you going to tell me Griffey swings the same way as Bonds and Bonds swings the same way as Alex? They don't 'prepare' the launch the same way, they don't swing the same way. They use their bodies differently than one another. They produce different forces preparing for launch which affects how they swing. They use their legs differently which affects the swing, they use their arms differently which affects the swing.

Anyone one of these three hitters would fail if they tried the others swing. And they would not do it the same way.

Mechanics are fine, but nobody comes to the same conclusion of what mechanical advice is useful. Therefor they have their own absolutes of what works for them.

So yes, when I look at a hitter I see different swings. No matter how similar they may seem.

Shawn