Batted Ball Distance

[ian]

I was curious too. Wondering if JJ, GM or FFS has enough knowledge to know if and how slower speeds could impact the results. They seem to get the Physics stuff well.

I wouldnt be surpised if they answered the speed of collision question 6 times in this thread and each time it went over my head. Those guys know hitting.

 

[Greenmonsters]

I was curious too. Wondering if JJ, GM or FFS has enough knowledge to know if and how slower speeds could impact the results. They seem to get the Physics stuff well.

It's beyond me to explain, but some answers and interesting reading may be found in the following resources. Nathan's knuckleball research is my favorite (FYI pobguy is Dr. Nathan's DFP username)

Websites:
Dr. Alan Nathan's Physics of Baseball website The Physics of Baseball - Pioneers of the Field
Dr. Rod Cross' home page Rod's Home Page
Dr. Daniel Russell's Physics and Acoustics of Baseball and Softball Bats web page Physics and Acoustics of Baseball and Softball Bats


Books:

Dr. Rod Cross, The Physics of Baseball & Softball, 2011. "This book describes the physics of baseball and softball, assuming that the reader has a basic background in both physics and mathematics. The physics will be explained in a conversational style, with words and illustrations, so that the explanations make sense. The book provides an excellent opportunity to explain physics at a relatively simple level, even though the primary objective is to explain the many subtle features concerning the physics of baseball. For those readers who already know quite a bit of physics and who will be comfortable with mathematical equations, additional material of this nature will be provided in appendices. The latest research findings and statistical data have been incorporated by the author. The book also contains many simple experiments that the reader can perform to convince themselves that the effects described do indeed exist."

 

[FiveFrameSwing]

While conducting that research try to see if you can come up with an explanation that makes sense to you as to why the following chart represents what is considered an “efficient” swing sequence. Note that we see the club reach a peak velocity just prior to impact, and at impact have a slightly lower club head velocity … which means that the club head began to decelerate just prior to impact. This is real data. See if you might explain what is happening in the sequence that caused this swing to reach maximum club head speed prior to impact.

That's more like what I was looking for. I get that it's better to have the swing speed peak a fraction of a second prior to contact versus after. Is there a benefit to it being before and not at the same moment though?

Just a side note, that website says it's a graph model based on thousands of actual swings of professionals. It would be interesting to see what variations existed.

By using properly sequenced release mechanics you obtain an overall faster swing speed. So while the speed of the barrel may be decreasing slightly at impact from its peak, the velocity at impact is still greater than had a hitter not used properly sequenced release mechanics.

 

[FP26]

By using properly sequenced release mechanics you obtain an overall faster swing speed. So while the speed of the barrel may be decreasing slightly at impact from its peak, the velocity at impact is still greater than had a hitter not used properly sequenced release mechanics.

I realize that the discussion is focused on swing speed and impact, but I also think it is important to think about adjustability. There are things you can do that can increase swing speed but sacrifice adjustability. Personally I would rather not go down that path.

 

[FiveFrameSwing]

I realize that the discussion is focused on swing speed and impact, but I also think it is important to think about adjustability. There are things you can do that can increase swing speed but sacrifice adjustability. Personally I would rather not go down that path.

Fortunately having proper release mechanics is inline with squaring the ball.

 

[FP26]

Fortunately having proper release mechanics is inline with squaring the ball.

I agree completely.

 

[BadMonkeys]

By using properly sequenced release mechanics you obtain an overall faster swing speed. So while the speed of the barrel may be decreasing slightly at impact from its peak, the velocity at impact is still greater than had a hitter not used properly sequenced release mechanics.

One of the amazing things the graph illustrates is how ridiculously small the window is for greatness. Maybe that's an exaggeration but the fractional difference in time it takes to be off in either direction is astounding.

 

[Greenmonsters]

One of the amazing things the graph illustrates is how ridiculously small the window is for greatness. Maybe that's an exaggeration but the fractional difference in time it takes to be off in either direction is astounding.

If you're talking about the graph FFS posted (and most recently re-posted in post # 293), just remember that it is for a golf swing and the the ball is stationary. So if that's astounding, then its mind blowing that in baseball/softball, the same margin of error associated with timing and sequencing exists AND the ball is traveling at speeds upward of 60 mph. Maybe that's why many believe that hitting a baseball/softball is the hardest thing to do in sport.

 

[BadMonkeys]

If you're talking about the graph FFS posted (and most recently re-posted in post # 293), just remember that it is for a golf swing and the the ball is stationary. So if that's astounding, then its mind blowing that in baseball/softball, the same margin of error associated with timing and sequencing exists AND the ball is traveling at speeds upward of 60 mph. Maybe that's why many believe that hitting a baseball/softball is the hardest thing to do in sport.

Yessir. Had not lost sight of that.

 

[FiveFrameSwing]

Educated hands (wrists) know to release the barrel into impact.