Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sun Aug 21 22:18:47 2005

>>> On Tue Aug 2 09:35:32 2005 I started a thread entitled "Jack--A Noncontroversial Question." I have been waiting patiently, and would appreciate an answer. Here is the post:

There seem to be certain theories floating around the importance of pushing off the back leg, and hitting with a straight back leg at contact. They believe that, by doing so, the ball will be hit farther. However, I have always held a diametrically opposed opinion--the back leg should be in an "L" shape at contact. Having this geometric position in the back leg, in my opinion, will allow the ball in the latter position, when struck properly, to travel further than when the leg is extended fully (i.e., in the former position). What are your opinions on this subject?

BHL

P.S. Note: Due to the complexity concerning the science of the swing, everyone will respond differently when asked this question.<<<

Hi BHL

The reason I have not responded to your last few posts on this topic is because we have re-hashed it a dozen times before. Please, for the last time – I found no absolute for the bend is the back-leg at contact. Batters who take a short stride and have their axis tilted back (Bonds), will have the back-leg in some form of “L” at contact. Other great hitters who take a longer stride or have a more vertical axis (like Aaron) may have the leg straighter at contact.

Jack Mankin