Posted by: sbk () on Fri Feb 27 07:15:44 2004

I am trying to find formulas for the following 2 problems:
>
> (1) To calculate the exit speed of a hit ball (assume sea level
> and no wind). My variables are pitch speed, swing speed
> and how much energy is lost in the transfer. Does anyone
> know where I can find such a formula?
>
> (2) Assuming I know the exit speed, the formula for the
> distance a ball will travel. My variables are launch angle and
> exit speed, I believe.
>
> Thanks in advance to anyone who can direct me to the right
> place.

Thinking right off the top of my head, # 2 would be nearly impossible to calculate with significant accuracy although you could reach a ballpark figure. (no pun intended)

Another variable I can see would be the spin on the batted ball. Now if you really want to get technical, no two hits would ever be the same because of the stitching on the ball. (example. Does the batted ball come out as a two seam or 4 seam fastball.)

One of the biggest variables affecting the distance a ball will travel off a bat has nothing to do with pitch speed or batspeed but it has a lot to do with the ability of a hitter and his technique. It also happens to be a good reason to develop rotational technique.

It's the angle the bat strikes the ball or what's often refered to as timing. The closer impact is to 90 degrees the more force can be transferred to the ball and the resulting spin put on the ball should be more favorable.

Any golfer can understand what sideways spin can do to their drive.

Hope this helps.

SBK