Posted by: Frank Jessup () on Sun Jun 9 07:33:15 2002

Frank-
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> Maybe you can clarify what the question is that is to be answered.
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> The ball comes in to fast to follow it smoothly all the way in when you think about the usual model of the visual system.At first the eyes don't have to move much to track,but as the ball gets close,the eyes can't move fast enough to stay focussed on the ball.The brain automatically resets the eyes fast and starts tracking again,a movement called a saccade.You will develop various strategies for watching the ball.One is to try focus on the ball at release,then switching focus to where the ball is anticipated to be at the last moment you can make a correction to the swing which is maybe 15 or 20 ft in front of the plate.It seems that those who try to turn the head or focus on the ball agin closer than this do not do as well.It also seems that what many hitters describe doesn't sound like they are using a visual system that corresponds to this model,but more like a different visual system for high speed tracking called the ambient system.The thread linked above gives more info along these lines.What is the question you feel is not getting answerred?




The question is "is it possible to follow the ball from release to contact?" Acutally, it is a yes or no question, though i know there must be supporting comments. Thats the question that had not been answered, until your post.

But, as a result of this question I want to point out the proplem with many of those who post on this and other sites. Its a problem of clarity. I assume that most of the people on this site consider themselves "teachers" or "Students" of hitting-- mostly teachers.

Knowing something does not make a person a "teacher/coach." The ability to transfer knowledge to another person who then is able to use it in practical application is the essence of "teaching/coaching." I would add that a really good teacher/coach will teach in a way that not only educates but motivates the student to practice and use the knowledge.

Too many who post on this site are unablwe to make themselves understood. You can't be a true teacher, and you can't motivate, if you can't make your players understand what you are saying. But it seems that some think that its the "students" job to understand, not the "teachers" job to be understood. This is backward and a sign of someone who can't teach or dosen't know the subject.

I notice that many posts are directed to Jack Mankin asking follow up questions such as "you said such-and-such, what does it mean?"

Say what you will about Joe A, I always understood exactly what he was saying. I may not have agreed with it, nor did I agree what how he said it, but I always understood what he was saying and even better, I understood how to apply it if I wanted to. I imagine he is an excellent teacher/coach. Many could learn something from him. Too bad he dosen't post any more.

F. J.