Posted by: tom.guerry (tom.guerry@kp.org) on Fri Jun 15 11:35:43 2001

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
> > >
> >
> > Jack-
> > I believe the important thing is that Barry does fade his torso axis as part of applying bottom hand torque/hooking the hand path as he must on the inside pitches he prefers.
>
> Tom-
> I've wondered about this as well. Maintaining a fixed axis of rotation is a far better model than moving the axis forward toward the ball (lunging or weight shifting during rotation).
> What if the hitter realignments the axis of rotation by pulling the shoulders back or rippling a wave of energy up the spine - hips push forward, then as body rotates, the upper body also reacts back.
> If timed properly, this would increase the tightening of the circular hand path at contact, adding extra batspeed into contact.
> My image is that of rotation around the spine AND a wavelike motion of the spine (forward to back) running up the spine during rotation that feeds into release of bat into contact.
> If this makes any sense (I'm finding it hard to explain) I'd enjoy yours and anyone else's comments.

I think the axis has to "fade" back/?from spine-centered to more around back leg to hook handpath in front of body as needed on inside pitch.Pulling the hands in like a figure skater speeds up hip/body turn,but you are also hanging on to a big bat and need to keep balance.It is possible then that the axis isn't changing with respect to the center of mass,but only with respect to certain body parts.