SultanofSwat posted:cabbagedad posted:If the incoming pitch is at a 6-10 degree angle and the swing is 10-20 degrees, by definition, wouldn't that result more often in topspin than backspin? I realize that where on the ball contact occurs is also a factor in this equation. Just trying to understand the math of your statement.
In MLB swings the bat head generally goes under the plane of the incoming pitch, and will generally hit under the (horizontal) center of the ball.
If you hit anywhere under the center, the ball goes up, and it has backspin.
Thanks Sultan, yeah that's what I was referring to when I said "where on the ball contact occurs is also a factor in this equation". I am aware of that aspect. Certainly, if you hit under center, there is backspin. My question was just in reference to your description of the pitch plane vs swing plane. It appears you are assuming what you describe with the MLB swing generally hitting under center, in which backspin pretty much occurs regardless of pitch plane vs swing plane.