Posted by: Swingbuilder (crjedwards@aol.com) on Tue Jan 25 15:47:12 2005

>>> Wouldn't all the above mentioned players be whip type hitters....meaning that they transfer their weight forward to center? Thanks <<<
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> Hi Jeff
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> Classifying a batter as a certain “type” of hitter would depend on how you define “type.” By your definition above, any batter that transfers weight forward during the stride would be classified as a “whip type hitter.” Others would say that since they all rotate around a stationary axis, they should be classified as “rotational hitters.”
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> This site has always maintained that regardless of how much weight is transferred forward during the stride, all good hitters generate the energy for their swing from rotation around a stationary axis. We define a hitters “type” as either “linear” or “rotational” depending on the type of mechanics they use to transfer the body’s rotational energy into bat speed.
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> If the batter’s mechanics extends the hands in a fairly straight (A to B) path, we classify him as more “linear.” If the batter keeps the hands back during initiation and allow shoulder rotation to fling the hands into circular path (CHP), we define him as having “rotational transfer mechanics.”
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> What you refer to as a “whip type hitter” would probably have a more linear hand-path. In theory, there is a “crack of the whip” effect when the hands stop at full extension (like snapping a towel). – Jeff, I would advise you that many tests show that theory to be flawed as applied to the baseball/softball swing.
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> Jack Mankin
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> Jack...Thanks for the follow up.....I'm not an advocate of the hands stopping at full extension, and don't really know who would be. I see a circular path in every big league hitter I have seen on video. But I do advocate a movement forward to center. Jack, is it possible you could direct me to a video clip where a hitter has stopped his hands at extension?

All the hitters you mentioned have a weight transfer forward to center. They drive forward with their backside leg and thigh, yet they maintain their center by stopping that forward movement with the frontside landing on a flexed knee. Then begin the rotation process by firming the frontside leg( I call this resistence between frontside and backside ) and with a circular hand path. Wouldn't a hitter that just reaches with his foot and sits back and rotate be more of a spinner. A guy that comes off the ball and doesn't reach his full power potential? I think maybe we are on the same path...I have your final arc CD and am just trying to sort through it. Any help from this thread from me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks