Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Tue Feb 2 10:36:58 2010

>>> Jack -

Is it not true that the position of the bat just prior to hitting the ball is at its lowest point in the arc of the swing ? Then the bat moves upward as it strikes the ball ??

I have noticed that many instructors teach hitting with 2 balls teed up at the same height, one directly in front of the other, in what would appear to be a linear swing path. This is followed by the adage "extend through the zone". My thought is that the bat is only parallel to the ground (assuming no tilt in the stance) for a split second and this occurs at the bottom of the swing arc prior to hitting the ball.

As always, your insight is appreciated. Thanks <<<

Hi Kevin

You are correct, in most high level swings, the bat's downward trajectory bottoms out about 12 to18 inches from the contact zone. As the video below shows, the bat is then on an up-slope at contact.

Swing Down on the Ball??

At least, the drill you described has the bat level in the zone. Some coaches have the first tee higher than the second. This forces a downward trajectory at contact. These coaches believe a downward trajectory produces more backspin and therefore greater flight distances. The post from the Archives below explains why this is not the case.

Back-spin vs exit speed

Placing balls on two tees to promote "extend through the zone" is misleading at best if not counter productive. The ball is in contact with the ball for less than 1/1000 second. During that time, the bat moves forward about 5/8 inch. Therefore, continuing to exert energy after contact is meaningless. That energy would be better used to maximize bat speed approaching contact -- rather than after contact.

Jack Mankin