Posted by: Skipper (csu2727.com) on Wed Jan 5 13:02:03 2000

> Hi Skipper,
>
> Can you please explain your statement from the previous post below? Thanks.
>
> "I think we would all agree that reaching maximum velocity before contact (even if maintained through contact) is not in the best interest of applying maximum force to the baseball."
>
Sure Steve;
A given is the old F=MA (Force = Mass X Acceleration) Thus, my statement inferes that there should be acceleration through - not to contact. The formual is not Force = Mass X Velocity. So even if the maximum velocity was reached prior to contact - maintained at contact - and consistant after contact - physics tell us that a greater force will be exerted through the use of acceleration.

EXAMPLE: where the contact bat speed is X and equal in both 1 & 2

1. Start swing (X-50), acceleration to (X), contact (X), post contact (X), deceleration (X-30) - (X-50)end swing

2. Start swing (X-50), acceleration to (X), contact (X), post contact (X+5), deceleration (X-30) - (X-50) end swing.

Because of the acceleration through the contact point a greater force is delivered even with the same impact velocity as represented by (X).

Hope this helps

Best,
Skipper