Quote:
Originally Posted by okla21fan
Did I hear Michelle Smith correctly last night claiming that a 'leap' is actually a 'disadvantage' to the pitcher (mechanically) because the 'drive' behind the pitch is 'up and not directly towards home plate'?
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That is simple physics. A given force from the push off the plate is divided between the vertical and horizontal components. The vertical component, which causes the leap, will reduce what is left for the horizontal component, thereby reducing the drive toward the plate.
This ignores the friction from dragging the foot that is not present during the leap itself.