Posted by: coach () on Wed Nov 27 22:06:38 2002

>Once again, I disagree that MAC and Griffey are at full extension at contact. Or at least some of the picture I have don't necessarily indicate that. I am not saying that are never at full extension and and always in some type of flexed position. But at least the pictures that I have show there is some flexion in arms. I would also say that I have pictures of other good hitters including Bonds, Bagwell, Sosa, and Sweeney that seem to indicate the same thing.

I know one picture or one video clip for that matter doesn't necessarily tell the whole story but I can say that more than one good hitter displays this symptom. If someone has a picture or clip I that says different I would be interested.

It does make sense that maximum batspeed is achieved at full extension. I don't have an argument there. I will also say I don't think hitters consciously think not to be or to be fully exteded at contact. I believe all hitters want to get to fully extension in their swing. I there might be a biomechanical or some other reason why this happens. I just don't think it is trying a player trying to consciously be quick to the ball. The swing is pretty much in auto pilot at the time the bat makes contact.

Maybe I'm wrong. As for Mr. Nyman, he may be right in terms of biomechanics. But my question still stands. Why do a lot of very successful MLB hitters not get for extension at contact. And if those hitters are succesful doing so do hitters need to be fully extended at contact?