the programs I coach for, parents, fans and supporters.
One Example
Have you heard or said this:
“By keeping your elbows (hands) close to your body, the bat will take the shortest path to the ball which will result in a quicker swing.”
Sounds right and part of this statement is true. Keeping your elbows / hands close to your body will result in a quicker swing – but not only for the reason most coaches give as above. Hers's a very quick and brief science explanation:
The further away the bat (mass) is from your body (long axis of rotation) - it INCREASES its resistance (inertia) to move and keep moving so more force is needed to move the bat. Also, it takes increased resistance longer to get to top acceleration. Larger resistance negatively influences Angular Momentum – slower bat speed. And with only .5 -.7 seconds to swing (depending on the level of play) that will kill a batter.
The closer the bat is to your body – it REDUCES its resistance (inertia) to move so less force is needed to move the bat and keep it moving. It takes lower resistance less time to get to top acceleration. Lower resistance allows for better Angular Momentum – so quicker bat.
Think of an ice skater. When they want to speed up in a spin they bring their arms close to their body (reducing resistance/ inertia) therefore they spin fast. When they want to slow down they extend their arms. (see diagram 1.1)
FYI: The distribution of the weight in the bat also influences resistance/ inertia (end loaded vs. more center loaded).
This is just one part of the swing. As
Dr. Knudsen stated in a conversation with me: “Skillful manipulation of inertia of the body and implements (like a bat) is an integral part of many sport skills – like baseball.”
Open Your Mind – Let Science Challenge What You Think You Know
Treveor Ragan made an observation in his article "Block vs. Random Practice" . We can also amend it to baseball specifically.
There’s decades of unbiased scientific scholarly research that points us to principles that help us better understand hitting. Some of these principles have made their way into baseball. But for the most part there remains a huge gap between what the science says about hitting and what we actually teach our players, parents and coaches.
You have to keep an open mind when you
read something new that challenges your
beliefs. Also when you talk about a hitting theory or philosophy they are just that –
a theory or philosophy – they are
The Baseball Observer - Jan/ Feb 2017
60
1.1