Posted by: tom.guerry (tom.guerry@kp,org) on Wed Jan 28 19:45:07 2004

Hi Tom and all
>
> I have been to Skill Technologies lab in Phoenix. Very interesting. If you get
a chance download the file on the web site called 3D skill check and play with
the baseball and softball swings. They are by no means "perfect" swings that
are demonstated but it gives you a better idea of how to apply the x-factor
stretch to hitting a pitched ball (NOT a softball or baseball swing as this
implies there is a big difference).
>
> The x-factor stretch is the ability to leave the hands back (still) while the
bottom half starts the swing and rotates. THT then occurs and the hands are
still not moving forward toward the pitch. This keeps the shoulders from
rotating too early because as soon as the hands come forward the shoulders
have to turn.
>
> Dave

melvin-

One conclusion would be as you are getting at,that degree of separation is
not as important as ending the separation with ans effective/quicker stretch
and reversal.

I think the swing in hitting is analagous to the finding that maximum
separation is AFTER the top of the swing and INTO the downswing.

This means the handoath starts (in relation the earth as frame of reference,not
the torso/shoulders) before the coil/xfactor ends as the hips rotate open faster
than the torso rotates open.This would account for the handpath appearing to
start perpendicular to the flight of the ball.

Then the hands would move due to torso uncoiling twisting.

Then the hands could hook by independent unshrugging of the shoulders to
hook.

As an example here,Bonds would not be uncoiling/transferring momentum
until at/after the third frame here:

http://members.cox.net/sandmanbaseball/Barry%20Bonds%20swing.jpg


I would further speculate that ir is easier to get a good/well timed xfactor
strtech in hitting when there is less separation/lower load/shorter swing
radius/more/quicker torso turn as on inside pitch as opposed to higher load
more separation situation(more THT) as on outside/longer swing radius
location.