Posted by: Al_Oha (p3d0n6@hawaii.rr.com) on Sat May 10 14:20:03 2008

I have become a student of rotational batting much to your credit. The concepts of torque and angular momentum in CHP, have reduced the complex phenomenon of hitting down to grounded principles I can finally understand and accept. I have yet to come across a proclaimed authority with a measured understanding in pet theories, whether rotational, linear or more recently, hybrid ro-linear hitting.

It is my skepticism that Nyman's Simulations are viewed with interest. As a detractor to THT, it is understandable why the author is "hamstrung" in linear paradigm: He models in only two dimensions, where velocity of the bat head [V] , is a function of Vx and Vy, ie. the summation of velocity in a single plane. What is missing is velocity in the third dimension, Vz.

I will refer to your post: http://www.batspeed.com/messageboard/92831.html

You appropriately explain that the simulation does not identify perpendicular forces to the length of the bat for torque at the initiation of the swing. You note that this force component only becomes manifest beyond 30 degrees, and does not maximize until 90.

To bolster your defense, what is not mentioned is a critical factor in the third dimension:
If a bat head is allowed to fall to earth from vertical or near-vertical into the swing plane, by virtue of its mass, it will be accelerated by the force of gravity. (This defines weight,
which all can relate.) Add to this, top hand torque where the top hand pulls the bat head downward and rearward towards the catcher, as it glides into the swing plane. What you have is an undeniable velocity in the "Z" plane.

Nyman's simulation is limited in two dimensions. He can describe well what happens in a defined plane over the earth's surface. He what he fails to demonstrate is the activity perpendicular to this plane. Before he reaches any valid conclusions against THT, I believe that he is obligated to model in a "volume" and not just a "plane" to understand the principle.

Thanks to your insights, I can tool my young little leaguers with the "secret weapon" for the advantage.