Posted by: The Hitting Guru (hitman3527@aol.com) on Fri Mar 3 22:20:09 2006

> >>> This is a simple queston that I keep posting but no one seems to answer. Well, atleast I tihnk it is simple for someone to explain if they understand the whole linear and rotational concept. So could someone PLEASE explain to me what makes a swing linear and what makes a swing rotational? I still dont understand the whole tihng. And for rotational, could you explain more than just CHP and torque. Thanks! <<<
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> Hi Mike & All






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> The “Linear vs Rotational” controversy may be better understood by thinking of it as the “Whip vs Pendulum” concepts for accelerating the bat-head.
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> For decades almost all coaches, little league through the pros, taught the “Linear” concept that when the hands were extended straight (A to B), there was a “Whip” effect that accelerated the bat-head when the hands reached full extension. This Web Site was the first source of information that advised coaches that this was a false concept – there is no “Whip” effect that transfers linear momentum into bat speed when the hands are extended straight (A to B).
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> We have provided coaches with proof that what actually accelerated the bat-head was the “Pendulum” effect that transferred the body’s rotational momentum when the hands were taken in a circular path (CHP). We showed that the swing mechanics of the great hitters generated maximum bat speed by adding “Torque” to the CHP.
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> All good hitters rotate about a stationary axis during the swing. Therefore, the amount of linear movement a batter takes during the stride has no bearing on whether or not he is linear or rotational – it is his transfer mechanics that tells the tale. Once the linear (A to B) extension of the hands was discredited, the linear enthusiast was left to focus on the stride which ceases before the swing is initiated.
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> Jack Mankin

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Therefore, the amount of linear movement a batter takes during the stride has no bearing on whether or not he is linear or rotational –


Jack. Do you think your above statement applies to Ichiro Suzuki?

Also, do you think a player who takes a long stride in unison with forward head movement that causes his body to come forward (roll up off his back leg) significantly before his hands is still as much a rotational hitter.

I am not arguing with your theory of rotational hitting. But merely pointing out that a Gary Sheffield, Hank Aaron, or Dave Winfield are for the most part hitting different types of homeruns as a Ruth, Williams, or Bonds is hitting. The first 3 have a rotational swing with more of a linear movement which causes their upper body to roll up and has them almost hitting over their front side. The latter 3 are lifting the ball more as their mechanics cause them to fall backward accentuating the effect of full rotation. Your thoughts on my analysis?