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