“Understanding” a check swing(?)

1. “Understanding” a check swing(?)

2. Building a time frame...0ms is the point where the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand 0ms Start point

3. This shows how long the ball takes to reach the plate if pitched at about 89 mph – 460ms 460ms Start point Contact 0ms

4. Assuming the swing takes 150ms to execute, it has to start here – at 310ms after the pitch 460ms - 150ms = 310ms Start point Contact 0ms 460ms

5. Research shows that the average amount of time for a decision to move to actually result in overt movement is about 150ms...so the decision to swing must have taken place at about 160ms. 310ms - 150ms = 160ms Start point Swing begins Contact 0ms 310ms 460ms

6. Now then...what about the check swing? Well, to be able to stop the bat passing the plate, let’s assume you have to start applying the brakes about 40ms into the swing (remember this is a no-holds barred swing – it’s going to take some stopping) 310ms + 40ms = 350ms Start point Swing begins Contact 0ms 310ms 460ms Go signal for swing 160ms

7. So when would the decision to check the swing take place? Well, following from the idea that every movement has to be initiated some 150ms before you see actual movement...the decision to check the swing takes place before the original swing starts. Nice, eh? 350ms - 150ms = 200ms Start point Swing begins Contact 0ms 310ms 460ms Go signal for swing 160ms Check swing begins 350ms