Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sat Oct 1 10:31:11 2005

>>> Hi Jack,
I want to start a thread on finding the ball from the pitcher. I have heard different things about this subject but really this seems to be one of the most important aspects of being a consistent hitter. I understand the importance of mechanics and practice but I'm searching for the best way to locate the ball from the pitcher and to teach this to my students. I have heard that most hitters really don't locate the pitch until 15-17 ft in front of the hitter. I want this defined and I would like for anyone to post their ideas on this subject. <<<

Hi Erik

Some hitters say they watch the ball during the windup while others concentrate on picking up the ball at the pitcher’s release point. When the ball is about 1/3 of the way in, the lead-foot is down and the batter is completing his pre-launch movements. Batters who have the bat-head cocked forward are sweeping it (pre-launch torque) rearward to the launch position.

By the time the ball is about 20 feet out, the pitch has been read and the go-no-go decision to launch the swing is made. At 15 to 17 feet out, the swing is fully initiated and the bat’s trajectory to contact has been determined. From this point to contact, no further adjustments to the bat’s trajectory are possible (the swing is on auto-pilot). Many tests show the batter’s eyes stop tracking the ball about 15 feet out. --- Even if the batter attempts to track the ball the final 15 feet, it would be of little value as no changes can be made to the bat’s trajectory.

Jack Mankin