Posted by: grc () on Fri Aug 26 14:45:17 2005

> Hi grc,
>
> Is it possible to target 1/4 or 1/2 inch below center? I can hit fungo above or below center, but on pitches no way. Consider trying to consistently hit a 1/2 inch marble pitched to you with movement - this is the accuracy required to intentionally produce spin.
>
> What's the problem with a topspin liner anyway? It is out of the infield, down in the grass and scooting before the fielder can run it down.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jim
jim, i had overlooked your response..."Is it possible to target 1/4 or 1/2 inch below center?"...some might ask the question, "is it possible, with only 4/10 of a second to react and execute, to hit a 90mph fastball, or perhaps a slightly slower slider"?...it's not as if targeting the MIDDLE of the ball is EASY...perhaps this is one of the things that seperate the greats from the greatest...

"What's the problem with a topspin liner anyway?"...my physics is not that great but i think the question contradicts the facts...i think you could produce a topspin liner about as easily as a backspin grounder...the nature of topspin is such that the ball spins down, not up and IF one could produce a topspin liner, the accuracy required to do so would be far greater than producing backspin, and far less productive...