Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed) on Wed Aug 1 16:19:53 2001

>>> What is a representive time it takes to make a swing. I know it can vary, but I am looking for some kind of ball-park idea. I need it for a coaching thing I am doing. <<<

Hi Frank


The representative time it takes to make a swing depends on what portion of the swing you are timing. The full swing from stride to the finish of the follow-through may take over a half-second. The most useful information is gained when timing the swing from initiation to contact. I define initiation as when the hands are starting to accelerate forward (or laterally).

Most of my measurements were made with the use of video frames. Video cameras normally run at 30 frames per second. Therefore, each video frame would be 1/30 of a second. Professional hitters require 4 to 6 frames to bring the bat-head to contact depending mainly on their mechanics. Good rotational hitters average around 4 to 4 1/2 frames and the more linear hitters around 5 to 5 1/2 frames.

Jack Mankin