Posted by: oleballcoach (jeffa@usxpress.com) on Fri Jan 6 20:27:09 2006

> Hi All
>
> This is a continuation of the “bat speed’ vs ‘bat quickness” thread below.
>
> (oleballcoach)
> >>> putting them on a reaction time measurement device. They won't be able to produce 100 MPH + swings with a short enough reaction time to get around on a 90+ mph fastball
>
> All I am saying is that maximum speed and maximum quickness can't be arrived at simultaneously. You sacrifice one for the other. I think the major reason for this is the length of the arc on the swing. <<<
>
> Hi Oleballcoach
>
> Welcome to the site. – It is obvious that a hitter like Bonds generates great bat speed at contact. I think you would agree that he also has the swing quickness to get around on a 90 or even a 100+ mph fastball. However, if we subjected his full swing movements to a “reaction time measurement device,” his quickness reading would be much slower than most little leaguers would attain starting with the bat in the launch position..
>
> The reaction time measurement devices I have seen give a very inaccurate and distorted view of a hitter’s actual swing quickness. This device starts the timing when a light comes on and ends at contact. It does not allow for the rhythmic pre-launch movements of a high level hitter like Bonds uses to accelerate the bat-head rearward to the launch position. Bonds will start his pre-launch movements with the pitcher’s windup and the rearward acceleration of the bat-head begins just after the pitcher releases the ball. However, he does not initiate shoulder rotation (committed to the swing) until the ball is about 12 to 14 feet out – for an accurate quickness reading, this is when the light should go on.
>
> Note: I am placing this topic at the top as a new thread
>
> Jack Mankin

I understand what you are saying, but I don't agree 100%. The quickness that counts is the measurement from the commitment to swing(actual swing initiation ie: point of no return) to contact. This is where MLB hitters excel. All of the pre-swing movements are just loading the body preparing to launch the bat. I guarantee you put top MLB hitters on reaction timers and measure time from initiation to contact and they would register much better times than softball players or little leaguers. I don't think it's a distorted view either. I think being able to measure quickness along with speed at contact is very useful.