Posted by: Mike Myers () on Mon Sep 23 14:20:12 2002

Thank you for your explanation on the benefits of rotational mechanics. Can you expain benefits of other type mechanics. Particularly how they relate to sweetspot velocities.
> > > x
> >
> > Kevin,
> >
> > Any swing mechanic employed will transform fixed body energy into bat kinetic energy. One must choose judiciously:
> >
> > 1. Which part of the bat need be accelerated most for optimal
> > hitting results.
> >
> > 2. What swing mechanic will maximize energy transfer from body to
> > the optimal bat part.
> >
> > The speed of the bat mass directly behind the ball (sweet spot) on contact should be maximized for most effective results.
> >
> > A more linear swing promotes accelerating the knob end quickly toward the pitcher. This is not efficient because momentum in the handle will not contribute to ball speed after contact with the sweet spot. Thus, energy used to accelerate the handle will necessarily deprive acceleration of the barrel sweet spot.
> >
> > I cannot explain the benefit of any swing mechanic other than rotational as it pertains to maximizing sweet spot speed on contact. This is the most efficient mechanical theory I am aware of.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Mike.
>
> Thanks again Mike. During rotational mechanics, how many forces do you think are acting on the bat? (excluding gravity,wind res)
> thanks, Kevin
>

Kevin,

There are numerous forces acting simultaneously during a swing. All these forces culminate in two basic areas of net force application - left hand and right hand, as these are the only points of contact with the bat.

One should use all available muscle power at properly timed intervals such that net force delivered through the hands to the bat is highest before contact with the ball. Since legs are further than shoulders from the point of application on the bat, leg muscles should be employed before shoulder muscles in swing motion. This will allow time for the leg force to propogate through the torso to the hands and will maximize the combined power of legs and shoulders at the bat contact point (hands).

Mike.