Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Thu Mar 22 08:45:22 2007

>>> Hi Jack,

In actuality, a bunt is the quickest way to hit the ball, but it provides the least power, as Paul Nyman suggests. On the other hand, a long, loping swing provides the most power, but is slower swing in view of the factor of time. While you are right to promote the idea of acceleration over time, please do not equate acceleration with bat quickness. Suppose, for example, I let my bat rotate over a 180 degrees. This will allow the bat to accelerate over a faster rate than a gyration that occurs over 90 degree, but will afford me the added benefit of additional power. On the other hand, suppose I set up my swing so that it arcs only 90 degrees. Since an arc of 90 degrees is 90 degrees closer to the ball than 180 degrees, that particular truncated swing will reach the ball faster, but at the expense of power. This is because that shorter arcs take less time to accelerate than longer arcs.

This simple geometric demonstration implies that bat speed and bat quickness are inversely related. Perhaps the best way, then, to approach this problem is to sacrifice some bat quickness for some bat speed, and vice versa, as Jeff Albert suggests. Instead of a 90 or 180 degree arc, what about experimenting with a 135 degree arc for average league throwers. Of course, if the pitcher is named Joel Zamaya, it might be wise to reduce the swing to 90 degrees. However, for pitchers who just lob balls towards the plate, you are right to consider that using a 180 degree arc can be quite efficacious.

Jack, if you have any problems considering my argument, just point them out. I will be more than happy to consider them, and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. <<<

Hi BHL

You state, “Instead of a 90 or 180 degree arc, what about experimenting with a 135 degree arc for average league throwers. Of course, if the pitcher is named Joel Zamaya, it might be wise to reduce the swing to 90 degrees. However, for pitchers who just lob balls towards the plate, you are right to consider that using a 180 degree arc can be quite efficacious.”

Your statement indicates that, regardless of how fast the pitcher throws, major league hitters find “bat speed” far more important than “bat quickness.” They all seem to prefer a 180+ degree arc. Can you show us a clip of a MLB that follow your 90 to 135 degree suggestions.

Jack Mankin