Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sun Dec 19 01:45:09 1999

Hi Burgess

I will try to answer both of your post at the same time. --- The test proved that a straight thrust (linear) of the hands and shifting ones weight forward (linear) does not generate bat speed. The two forces that do develop angular displacement is torque (hands pushing and pulling on the bat from opposite directions) and the transfer of rotational energy (angular path of the hands). Burgess, a batter needs not cast his hands out wide to have a circular hand-path. Keeping the lead arm across the body and rotating around a stationary axis will result in a tight circular path.

As I said, shifting weight forward does not cause angular displacement of the bat. But this does not mean that I would necessarily recommend the no-stride approach. I see nothing wrong with using a short (soft) step IF we understand it is for timing or rhythm and not for angular acceleration of the bat.

In my opinion, there are two major reasons why many batters using the no-stride approach have less bat speed. One is that their feet are spaced to wide to allow for full rotation of the hips. Second is the loss of proper sequencing of the swing. To develop good bat speed the swing must be from the ground up where the rotation of the hips and shoulders lead the hands. Starting with a short stride triggers the lower body to start the sequence from the ground up. With the static start of the no-stride, there is a loss of rhythm and too much of a tendency for the hands or arms to initiate the swing. This is not true for all hitters, some can adopt different ways to trigger the sequence. Picking up the foot and replacing it without striding or a movement of the lead knee during the inward turn or etc.

Jack Mankin