Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sat Mar 31 16:24:21 2007

>>> Jack,

I agree that adding THT produces a much greater acceleration. But the change in velocity (acceleration) is in the wrong (negative) direction. This brings me back to my first point: when batters apply forces that move the bat barrel in a negative direction, they then must use forces to stop the bat barrel from moving in that negative direction to redirect it in a positive direction. This wastes force and takes up valuable time. <<<

Hi Matt

Study this clip of Bonds’ swing -- http://www.youthbaseballcoaching.com/mpg/Bonds01.mpeg -- frame-by-frame. Note that as he initiates his swing, his “velocity (acceleration) is in the wrong (negative) direction.” -- How much bat speed would say he would gain if he eliminated his wasted “negative” acceleration?

Jack Mankin