Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Thu Jun 14 18:35:14 2001

>>> My impression of the 50/50 split is not that the swing starts rotational and then gets converted to linear through the contact zone - I agree that this would lose the momentum generated during the rotational "phase". What I think happens in some cases is this - if you consider the rotational mechanics swing to look like a circle from a top view - then the entire circle shifts forward 6 inches by striding and moving the center of gravity without leaning or lunging. This shifts the weight forward while maintaining the rotational mechanics. This may not be what is actually happening, but that is the way it appears in real time and normal slow motion playback. So my questions are 1. Is this happening? 2. If it happens, does the forward weight shift combined with no break in the rotational mechanics contribute to power? Thanks ... Daniel <<<

Hi Daniel

Daniel you stated, "What I think happens in some cases is this - if you consider the rotational mechanics swing to look like a circle from a top view - then the entire circle shifts forward 6 inches by striding and moving the center of gravity without leaning or lunging." Keep in mind that the arcing of the hand-path should not start until forward movement of the shoulders has stopped. Some batters with longer strides may have a 3 or 4 inch "back to center" drift of their hips. But their shoulder-axis does not drift forward but in fact it is more likely to fade in the opposite direction. I have noted hitters (such as Barry Bonds) whose shoulder-axis faded 2 or 3 inches away from the pitcher during rotation. But most good hitters rotate their hips and shoulders around a stationary.

So Daniel, I agree with your observation that the hand-path is not a perfect circle. But the elongation you refer to is not caused from a forward drift of the axis. Rather, the back-forearm lowering from vertical to horizontal causes the elongation or added length. When the back-forearm is in the vertical position, the hands are at the armpit. But note how the hands extend (10 to 12 inches) as the forearm lowers.

Does the "back to center" drift of the hips (or weight shift) add to rotation? Many coaches whose opinions I hold in high regard are convinced it does. --- I think it is highly overvalued.

Jack Mankin