Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Thu Mar 22 22:40:44 2001

>>> I need some more information on why the rotational mechanics are better than the linear. I know there is a lot on this site but any other sites would help a great deal and also anyone's inputs. <<<

Hi Alyssa

I think your question raises some important points that need further thought and discussion. Many knowledgeable coaches that come to this site question the premise that any batter actually use linear mechanics. Confusion arises because many, if not most, coaches teach a straight (A to B) extension of the hands and a forward shift of the batter’s weight. Those actions would constitute linear mechanics. Yet, now that setpro.com and Tim Olson’s site have shown the swing of both youth and pro batters in slow motion, coaches have come to note that all hand-paths (even the weaker hitters) have a good amount of arc to them and the weight shift takes place mostly before the swing is initiated.

So the theory of linear mechanics is being taught but I think questioning the premise that there are batters exhibiting those mechanics is valid. --- It may be a wise choice to stop referring to hitters as either linear or rotational and describe their mechanics more in terms of how efficient the mechanics are in transferring the batter's energies into bat speed.

Jack Mankin