Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Tue Oct 3 10:05:29 2006

Hi All

I have often stated in my posts that regardless of which swing model a coach chooses to teach, the ultimate purpose of the model’s swing mechanics is to attain maximum acceleration of the bat-head around the swing plane to contact. Before we can rate a model’s efficiency in generating bat speed, we must first have a clear definition of what forces are acting on the bat that induces its angular acceleration.

However, each swing model presented to coaches has its own definition of what forces are responsible for bat speed generation. Each model maintains it is based on sound scientific principles. Each model says that the principles the other models are based on are flawed. All these swing models cannot be correct. Some must be based on a flawed theory.

This is where baseball/softball needs help from the scientific community. We need them to give unbiased, tested definitions of the forces acting of the bat that induces its angular acceleration. To this end, I wrote a post on the Science Channel discussion board (http://community.discovery.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/3271991318/p/1 ). I outlined the problem and requested their assistance.

The title of the post is “Science and the Baseball Swing.” If you would like the Science Channel to do a program on the mechanics of the swing, your comments may help push them in that direction.

Jack Mankin