Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sat Jan 13 16:23:05 2007

You stated that (80 +%) of the swings energy is derived at the launch position when shoulder rotation is initiated. If this is true than why is it that when I measure batspeed through a good swing path on video, the lowest velocity is at the start of the swing and
the highest is through the hitting zone? Wouldn't it be a big waste of energy and control if the hitter expended it right out of the gate at the top of the swing path?

Hi Jimmy

What I stated was; “The real energy for the swing occurs once the bat has arrived at the launch position and shoulder rotation is initiated. From that point on, most of the energy (80+ %) is derived from the larger muscles of the legs and torso that drive shoulder rotation.” –Yes, during initiation, full power is being applied from shoulder rotation. But, that does not mean the bat has accelerated to its maximum velocity. Just like a rocket is at full power during liftoff (or launch). However, its velocity leaving the pad is nothing close to the acceleration it attains down course.

Jack Mankin