Posted by: Teacherman () on Mon Nov 22 13:07:18 2004

>>> For this upcoming season our fastpitch team has hired a new batting instructor that is introducing a new approach to hitting (rotational)as opposed to the linear approach the team has been taught and has been fairly successful with over the last few years. The rotational method appears to be providing more power. However, I would be very grateful if someone could reply in simple terms to the following questions:
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> 1) Is rotational hitting appropriate for fastpitch, and if so, is it only for power hitters or is it a good approach for almost anyone?
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> 2). what are the advantages and disadvantages of rotational hitting in fastpitch compared to linear hitting?
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> 3). Are there specific types of hitters/body types, etc... (besides slappers) that should be using one method over the other?
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> 4)what fastpitch coaches, teams, etc... employ rotational hitting as their main hitting technique.
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> I realize that this subject may be covered somewhere in the forum on other posts, but I really am looking for some simple, straight answers before I take a good group of girls down a different path.
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> Thanks <<<
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> Hi Scott
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> Rotational swing mechanics definitely produce great results with fastpitch in both power and high batting averages. Many (around 25) of the girls I have worked with (video swing analysis) have graduated from high school and are now playing college ball. Most of them received Division I and II Scholarships. Their main problem is that college coaches do not understand the rotational mechanics that got them there.
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> Scott, the coaches that regularly post to the board, including myself, have discussed rotational principles for so long that I think we may have lost sight of what is actually being taught in most leagues and schools. Your input would be helpful.
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> You indicated your team players are currently using linear mechanics. I would assume you mean that they are taught to extend their hands (or knob) straight to the ball. It would be helpful to understand how you (and other coaches) explain how you think the bat-head is accelerated from a straight thrust of the hands?
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> With rotational principles, we know that a major portion of bat speed comes from a CHP. Taking the hands in a circular path swings the bat-head similar to the way you swing a ball on the end of a string. – How does your linear coach say bat speed is generated from a straight (A to B) thrust of the hands. Or, have they never even tried to explain it. – Your thoughts would be appreciated.
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> I am sure your other questions will be addressed as the thread proceeds.
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> Jack Mankin
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Jack

You ask......"It would be helpful to understand how you (and other coaches) explain how you think the bat-head is accelerated from a straight thrust of the hands?"

But you leave out the fact that, as they may teach to thrust the hands straight to the ball, they also expect the batter to rotate. This rotation will angularly displace the bat even while they thrust their hands in a straight line. I've never seen a hitter, rotationalist or linearist, swing without rotating.

This is where your demonstration of throwing the bat on a rope is flawed. No one ever swings like that. Although they may have a linear hand path, they rotate also. And this rotation causes a circular hand path even though the hands are thrust in a straight line by extending at the elbows. Not saying its an efficient circular hand path, but it's definately not straight.

On the whole (other than THT) I agree with most of your theory. We're picking nits on some of this. But, as inefficient as the English language is in explaining what a good swing is, it is even more troublesome when the concept we're trying to demonstrate, with this inefficient language, is flawed.

I have never seen a hitter of any accomplished level swing by simply stanidng there and thrusting their hands forward and not turning the torso/hips. Even the fastpitch slap hitters rotate curving their handpath.