Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Fri Nov 3 15:16:52 2006

>>> Also, remember that the "circular" part is relative to the torso. It may look C-ish or J-ish if the hitter takes a big stride. <<<

Hi Chris

You correct in saying the hands follows more of a “C-ish or J-ish” path. I would say it is more of an elongated “C” (left-handed batter) shape rather than a true circular path. However since the batter’s head (and axis of rotation) remains still during rotation, the elongation is not caused from the body and axis moving forward. The elongation results as the back-forearm rotates down from its more vertical position at initiation to a more horizontal by contact.

The forearm is about 12 inches and will normally elongate the “C” shape of the hand-path by 6 to 8 inches as it lowers – depending on how vertical the forearm was at initiation.

Jack Mankin