Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sat Oct 13 18:11:06 2001

>>> I use the 2 mechanics seperately,this is how I learn or feel the difference and see the difference in how the ball reacts but I do realize I'm not young anymore and I try to practice accordingly.I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong or not ,I just feel this is an example of a swing that applys or draws more energy from the body and exerts more into the ball. I think if I hit daily the soreness would go away but the linear swing does not make me soar even when I have been away from it for a while. <<<

Hi RQL

I agree with your assessment that rotational mechanics “draws more energy from the body and exerts more into the ball.” When the linear batter extends the bat knob first at the pitcher, the momentum of the bat’s mass is also directed in that direction. But with rotational mechanics, as the batter applies tht, the bat’s mass is accelerated in an arc back behind the batter. Not only is the momentum developed much greater, the directional vector of that momentum is away from the pitcher or more back toward the catcher as the swing is initiated and rotation begins.

Therefore, developing early bat speed does cause an increased load to the body and limbs during rotation that is not present with linear mechanics. But this increased load is no problem when good transfer mechanics supply a smooth steady application of power. Problems arise when jerks and binds occur in the transfer mechanics as I described in my earlier post. --- Wrist binds and lapses (or jerks) in supplying steady power during the swing would be similar to having a bad or out-of-line u-joint in your car – you get a bumpy ride and your car’s transmission and engine receive a lot of stress.

Jack Mankin