Hitting and Hitters Discussion Wrist release and the Double Pendulum model

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I thought this was an interesting model and description about how the wrists release into contact. Although this particular video is specific to a golf swing, the same exact principle of release applies to a softball/baseball swing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBu30VbvBRY

 

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Bonds frame 4-5-6, the top hand is along for the ride whilest the bottom hand pulls.
He maintains the box and turns on the ball, see link. FR
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/gallery/bonds/flash.htm

 

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Between frame 5 & 6 is where the rubber hits the road. Also, I respect Gwynn for his accomplishments, but it's comical to hear his analysis. Another example of "someone who can do it, but they can't tell you HOW they did it".

 

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I thought this was an interesting model and description about how the wrists release into contact. Although this particular video is specific to a golf swing, the same exact principle of release applies to a softball/baseball swing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBu30VbvBRY

I use Dr. Russell's site as a means to understanding things more clearly as he explains it so I can even understand it.

http://webusers.npl.uiuc.edu/~a-nathan/pob/

http://www.kettering.edu/~drussell/

From his site:


"Third-class levers have the effort (the muscle) in the middle..... For instance, the forearm is a third-class lever, controlled by the biceps muscle. A longer forearm can produce faster motion of the hand, but requires more effort to move than a shorter forearm."


The video alludes to a straightened arm and I do not buy into that concept if that is exactly what he is saying. I understand the wrist, elbow and shoulder acting as a hinge. Cshilt may be able to find the double pendulum video from another site I have seen as it is a much better example in my opinion.


However to test it yourself simply come to contact with your arms straightened out while in your stance and have some one push backwards on the end of the bat and you will not be able to hold them back.

Now repeat with a classic palm up and palm down at contact with a flexed lead elbow and you will provide more resistance to the person trying to push the bat rearward. Also try it with your head up as if looking for where the ball is going verses keeping your head down as if tracking the ball and you will even provide more resistance.


Then extend your arm out anyway from you and let some one hold your wrist and try to rotate forward...then try it with a flexed elbow from your hitting position while they hold the wrist and pull forward with the elbow leading and you will feel the difference.


Could be a great discussion!

 

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overhead clip of pete rose
http://www.chrisoleary.com/projects...erAnalyses/SwingAnalysis_PeteRose_OH_001.html

 

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overhead clip of pete rose
http://www.chrisoleary.com/projects...erAnalyses/SwingAnalysis_PeteRose_OH_001.html

That is one swing now compare it to Bonds, AP, Hank Arron, TSW, A Rod, Manny and you will see variation....it takes all of them to win.

TSW told a friend of mine in the minors when he was in Boston, "When someone tries to change your swing and that got you here, I want you to think that the grass in front of you is the color of money, green and if you do not put it out of the park or in the green to make more money do not change anything! based on what they tell you!"

Whenever I see an MLB swing ask yourself what was the count, what was the score , where were the runners, what was the inning. Look at Hank Arron and you will see a true artist at work, linear, rotational, over the front leg, up against the front leg and left verse right handed pitching....anything to put the ball in play and advance the runner....a complete player!

Pete put the ball in play and look at the variation in his swing mechanics not to mention left verses right.

 

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I think the two mechanical adjustments that a MLB hitter will make are posture/tilt, less tilt for a high pitch and more tilt for a low pitch. The other one hands, extension for outside pitches, contraction for inside pitches; unless they are fooled by the pitch?

 

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...The video alludes to a straightened arm and I do not buy into that concept if that is exactly what he is saying. I understand the wrist, elbow and shoulder acting as a hinge. Cshilt may be able to find the double pendulum video from another site I have seen as it is a much better example in my opinion.

H - Are you referring to the guy with the paint sticks (my link), or another video from one of your links? Actually the paint stick model shown doesn't give the whole effect of the double pendulum, because it only has one pivot point. What I was trying to point out was how this particular model demonstrates the wrists being released by the forces of the semi-circular hand path (centrifugal force). I agree that completely straitening the front arm elbow joint is a "compromised" position - and a weak one at that. On that note, when I hear sports announcers say "they really got extended", I cringe thinking kids will pick up on that thinking they should fully extend their arms at contact. NOT what great hitters do! -unless fooled on an outside pitch.

Now those links you posted are gonna keep me occupied for some time...

 

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H - Are you referring to the guy with the paint sticks (my link), or another video from one of your links? Actually the paint stick model shown doesn't give the whole effect of the double pendulum, because it only has one pivot point. What I was trying to point out was how this particular model demonstrates the wrists being released by the forces of the semi-circular hand path (centrifugal force). I agree that completely straitening the front arm elbow joint is a "compromised" position - and a weak one at that. On that note, when I hear sports announcers say "they really got extended", I cringe thinking kids will pick up on that thinking they should fully extend their arms at contact. NOT what great hitters do! -unless fooled on an outside pitch.

Now those links you posted are gonna keep me occupied for some time...

You understand completely my friend and are right on!

Thanks Howard