Posted by: Bart () on Wed Feb 5 06:22:32 2003

> I believe a swing around a stationary axis is always shaped the same. It is a fairly perfect circle. It is not possible (with your arms or hands) to change this shape during the swing i.e. leveling off at or near impact. This does, however, occur in the best players by firing the front side backwards during the hip drive (away from the pitcher). This tilts the axis slightly backwards during the approach to the ball changing the down move to a slight uppercut (or level) depending on the timing of the reverse tilting axis.
> >
> > A flatter swing is a flatter trajectory and lower ball flight. Flattening the bat out at address can stop pop-ups. A flatter golf swing yields a lower drawing ball flight as well.
>
> I think you have described a common way of adjusting swing plane by leaning the axis back.It seems like once you lean back,you can't get back on top easily,so you have to start planning to be on top enough for whatever the situation is.If you watch some players,Bonds for example,the head does come up to get up to the high(belly button or higher)during the last couple of frames before contact,probably by taking the flex/bend out of the waist.Moving the axis forward/tilting it to be more vertical may not be mechanically efficient after the front toe touches,or even before.

Donny.... "firing the front side backwards during the hip drive (away from the pitcher)".....2 questions....

(1) what do you say is the specific technique for the "firing" ?

(2) i take it that this must be accomplished well before toe touch/decision...assuming this is the case that a commitment to lean-back has been made, what, if any adjustments can be made if the pitch is high?