Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Fri Apr 19 14:21:40 2002

>>> Using linear hitting techniques, I'd have the player recheck his form at set up before every swing of the bat. After the inward turn, the first movement would be the hands moving forward (not the shoulder dropping). There are quite a few other drills you can do, but since this site is about rotational hitting, if you want to improve with the linear hitting method, read Dusty Baker's book.

My two cents:
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I'm leaning towards the opinion that rotational hitting theory is the best way to swing a bat, but I'm not yet ready to toss the "baby out with the bath water". Lots of good hitters hit linear, and good coaches teach this form of hitting at levels up through the professional Major Leagues. I certainly think some adjustments need to be made to improve the torque generated by the hips, as "linear" hitting is taught. As I get an experience baseline with players, my opinion may change, but I think certain hitters (perhaps the 1,2 hitters) may hit more consistently with less power (ground balls) using linear hitting techniques, while power hitters need to use rotational techniques.

I may be wrong, but I'll keep studying the "art" until I get closer to where "right" is. Darn, if the goal posts don't keep moving farther away, though! <<<

Hi swb

Welcome to the site. --- It is refreshing to read a discussion where differences in a batters transfer mechanics are used to determine whether he is a “linear” or “rotational” hitter. Most coaches seem to think that if the batter transfers weigh with a stride he is linear - a short stride or no-stride indicates a rotational hitter. But a number of good rotational hitters, like George Brett, that takes a rather long stride. And most linear hitters rotates around a fairly stationary axis.

Therefore, the defining difference between a “linear” and the “rotational” hitter is the transfer mechanics used to generate bat speed. The straighter the hand-path – the more linear the mechanics – the longer into the swing before torque is applied (knob to the ball) – the more linear the mechanics. --- So swb, would you (and Dusty) agree that – the more linear the mechanics used, the less the bat speed generated? --- Or, do you believe there is some other way of transferring energy into bat speed other than by (1) a circular-hand-path (like swinging a ball on a string), (2) applying torque (hands applying force from opposing directions) – if so, please explain.

Jack Mankin