Posted by: Jack Mankin (mrbatspeed@aol.com) on Sun May 16 17:08:54 2004

Hi All

Over the past couple of years, I have read many posts expounding on the virtues of ‘scap loading’, ‘bow arch’ and the ‘whip effect’. Yet, even to this day, I do not have a clear understanding of just what impact these terms, cues or mechanics have on the swing. I am sure that many other readers would also like a concise definition of how they impact the swing.

On May 8, I posted a request asking anyone who really understood these terms, to please give us all a clear definition. Since no one has responded in over a week, I will re-post the request below again.

Re: Re: Re: Bow Arch
Posted by: Jack Mankin (mrbatspeed@aol.com on Sat May 8 11:08:49 2004

>>> Without arguing for any particular side here and only in an attempt to keep the definitions straight in the interest of clarity, I don't think you guys know what bow arch refers to. And scap loading is about as far away as you can get from linear teaching. Polar opposite actually. If you don't think MLB hitters display scapular adduction and abduction that's fine, but at least know what you are disagreeing with. :) <<<

Hi

I agree, it is important “to keep the definitions straight in the interest of clarity.” In fact, without a clear definition of a mechanic, it is impossible to have a constructive debate regarding its contribution to the swing. I think a discussion of “scap loading” and “bow arch” could be enlightening to all if we are given a clear definition of (1) What is its purpose – Is it a cue or a mechanic? – Is it to prepare a good launch position, or is it a transfer mechanic? (2) How does it impact the development of bat speed? (3) What forces does it apply to the bat that generates bat-head acceleration?

Once we have these points defined, we can then have a constructive debate. However, I have read pages explaining all the muscles, fibers and bones involved in “scap loading” without once mentioning the bat - much less the forces it applies to it. Remember that the ultimate purpose of all swing mechanics is to accelerate the bat-head around to contact. Until we understand how a mechanic accelerates shoulder or bat-head rotation, it is useless to discuss the muscles involved..

I look forward to your definitions of “scap loading” and “bow arch.”

Jack Mankin
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>>> Tom Querry
I would personally like to see some more testing for the torque hypothesis,especially what Jack describes as "THT".<<<

Hi Tom

We can start the testing anytime by having everyone involved define the forces acting on the bat that induces angular displacement during initiation (we can later discuss the mechanics that produce those forces). Some have denied that torque applied at the handle is the mechanical principle responsible. But, no one has offered to define an alternative physic’s principle that generates bat-head acceleration.

Anyone who would like to prove torque is not a mechanical principle involved in generating bat speed is welcome to try. They should do so by defining the correct mechanical principle they believe is responsible. -- However, anyone who denies torque without fully defining an alternative – is just taking cheap shots.

Tom, for obvious reasons, a good place to start the testing is with Paul Nyman. Have him define (as I have) the forces the hands are applying at the handle and the mechanical principle that causes the bat-head to accelerate. – Namely, what is the direction of force of each hand during initiation that cause the bat to rotate and define the mechanical principle involved.

I have defined the forces acting on the bat that cause it to rotate about a point as (1) Torque – hands applying force from opposing directions (2) an angular rate of displacement of the hand-path induces an angular rate of displacement of the bat. Have Paul define his alternative definitions.

After Paul responds (if he actually does), you can post a summary of his definition here.

Jack Mankin