- A commentary by WebBall's Richard Todd

This series of articles appeared on WebBall until mid 2006. At the time we began the development work on the newer version of our website (the one you now see before you), we were uncertain as to whether we should continue to include this material.

After all, while the author published first on WebBall (mainly because we were probably the first to willingly accept some of his ideas for inclusion), he has since established his own bat speed website. The specifics of what he now teaches may have changed. If so, he would not be alone in evolving, many of us have changed how we teach in the last decade.

In August 2007, we were presented with compelling reasons why we should continue to present this material as originally published. It is somewhat "historic"; it is interesting for the attempt to explain mechanics through observation; and it is a good counter-point to the other "swing theories" available.

According to people within the Mankin camp, terms such as "stationary axis" are a way to define elements of a good swing, but not necessarily the way a coach might teach it. We encourage you to read this to see if it enlightens you or improves your power of observation. But apparently it is not intended as a teaching method, so please don't come back to me later and tell me it didn't work.