Posted by: Chris O'Leary (chris@chrisoleary.com) on Mon Jan 29 07:35:01 2007

"To clarify our differences let us agree what we define as Linear Mechanics and Rotational Mechanics. Jack does a fine job talking about both, but doesn't really define the two."

IMO, the key difference between the two is...

1. What the hands do.
2. What provides the power in the swing.

Linear coaches want the hands to go pretty much directly at the pitcher. They then want the hands, wrists, and forearms to swing the head of the bat out into the path of the ball. Linear guys think the hands, wrists, and forearms supply most of the power in the swing.

Rotational coaches want the hands to rotate with the body in a more circular manner (aka Circular Hand Path or CHP). This rotation of the body, and thus the hands, then causes the head of the bat to whip out into the path of the ball. Rotational guys think the muscles of the hips and torso supply most of the power in the swing. The muscles of the hands, wrists, and forearms just help to position the head of the bat.

Some people think the difference between the two is in the stride, but I don't think so. Both linear and rotational hitters stride. However, I do think that linear hitting coaches tend to think that more power comes from the stride itself, while rotational guys tend to think that the point of the stride is to help get the hips and torso rotating.