“Shortest path between two points is a straight line… Throw your hands straight to the ball.”
The shortest DISTANCE between two points is a straight line… HOWEVER, in physics, the shortest TIME between two points is achieved by following the Brachistochrone [bruh-kis-tuh-krohn] Curve.
This curve is the fastest time from loaded to contact, which is also the fastest bat speed.
The straight line is the shortest distance but it is the SLOWEST time to contact and the SLOWEST bat speed.
Your driveway may be short, but you can’t hit top speed in your Ferrari in a driveway.
The smaller the whip, the harder to crack. The longer the whip the easier it is to crack.
A little longer bat path lets you speed up your bat effortlessly.