Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Thu Jun 9 22:17:22 2005

>>> The following pics reveal the bat is not on plane with the lead arm but rather the plane of the lead arm wrist cock . The rear arm is perfectly on plane with the bat.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/features/2001/bonds/images/large/hr_4.jpg
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/features/2001/bonds/images/large/hr_47.jpg <<<

Hi Mjb

You must have a very different definition of the swing plane. Take a look at this clip of Bonds full swing http://www.youthbaseballcoaching.com/mpg/Bonds01.mpeg . Note that at about frame 30, he has swept the bat behind his head and into the plane of the lead-arm and is ready to fully launch his swing. From here to contact, the bat, lead-arm (and elbow) are in the same plane. Also note, that the back-forearm is not in that plane. In fact, it is almost perpendicular to the plane for much of his swing.

Therefore, since you feel it is the back-arm that stays in the swing plane instead of the lead-arm, it would be helpful if you would define your version of a swing plane.

Jack Mankin