I can definitely see the case for shortening his stride and creating a more efficient rotation of the hips would be of the reasons to do so. However, I’m having trouble picking up the bouncing and dancing in his right knee — are you referring to where the knee suddenly “stiffens” at around the time contact occurs? Because I’d argue at that point, energy is being transferred to that last thrust of the bat. It’s when the front knee stays bent that I often see the ball hit at a lower trajectory or on the ground. If you are referring to something different though, let me know.

I agree about the swing plane…Ackley could dip his back shoulder more for more of an uppercut swing, but that would also likely reduce his contact rate as well.

One thing I don’t like is how he kinda rolls off his right foot as he completes his stride. I think it kinda limits the rotation of his hips or at least slows it down enough to rob him of a little power. I’d like to see him shorthen the stride just a little and rotate on the heel of his right foot through the swing. I think it would translate into less movement in his lower half, ie: all that bouncing and dancing his right knee is doing.

The plane of his swing is clearly doubles hitter. Maybe he could experiment with changing the position of his hands to change the plane of the swing.

Great work on the Ackley analysis. I am a big fan of Ackley and
I could watch him hit all day. Great work…

JOHN