Rick,
I don't play baseball or golf, but there may be some analogous comparisons and physics.
I think that the quality of the stroke and follow through are relevant.
I think that a tight closed bridge is different than an open bridge in the delivery of the stroke/cue impacting the CB and follow through..
I think that a soft tip dwells longer on the CB than a hard tip - chalk being equal.
THROWING, STRIKING AND KICKING
1. Muscles contract more forcefully if they are first put on stretch, provided they are not overstretched. Windup in pitching, football pass, javelin throw, and volleyball serve are all important.
2. Awkwardness and unnessary fatigue may be do to unnecessary movements in the performance of a motor skill.
3. Adjustments in the neuromuscular mechanism is made through practice. Therefore, you obtain �skillful� and efficient performance.
4. Most efficient type of movement in throwing and striking skills is ballistic movement.
a.
Ballistic: Movements which are initiated by vigorous muscular contraction and completed my momentum.
b.
Non-Ballistic: Constant muscular action throughout the movement.
General points on ballistic movement:
? Beginners tend to concentrate on non-ballistic types of movements, especially if they are concentrating on accuracy of aim rather than on a ballistic type of movement. This type of movement results in �moving fixation� or a slow, tense movement.
? A beginner should concentrate on form rather than accuracy if they are to master the skill of moving ballistically.
? Termination of ballistic movement: (1) contracting antagonistic muscles; (2) body part reaches the limit of motion (stopped by passive resistance of ligaments or other tissues); (3) interference of an obstacle.
5. A lever appropriate for the task should be used. A long lever arm is desirable for movements requiring range or speed.
Object will move only if the force is of sufficient magnitude to change the object�s inertia and restraining forces. Restraining forces include: (1) friction; (2) wind or water drag; (3) internal resistance. Warmup will help reduce internal resistance.
6. Force exerted by the body will be transferred to an external object in proportion to the effectiveness of the counter of the feet against the ground.
7. Optimum summation of internal force is needed if maximum force is to be applied to move an object. Heavier body segments typically move first and the lightest segments last.
8. Force must be applied over time for a change in momentum to occur. If maximum momentum of a body segment and implement is desired, maximum impulse must be applied over a long period of time. This places importance on follow through.
9. Force applied in line with the center of gravity of the object will result in linear motion of the object.
10. If force is applied off-center to a freely movable object, the object will rotate (rotary motion).
11. The greater the velocity and mass (up to a point) of the striking implement, the greater the velocity of the struck ball. A good baseball player may use a heavier bat. Too heavy a bat, however, is inadvisable because it takes away from angular velocity.
12. The greater the coefficient of restitution (elasticity) of the ball and of the striking implement, the greater the speed of the struck ball.
13. Factors determining the direction taken by the struck ball: (1) direction of the striking implement at the moment of contact; (2) relation of the striking force to the ball�s center of gravity; (3) degree of firmness of grip and wrist at moment of impact; (4) principles affecting rebound (elasticity of striking implement and effects of spin)
http://www.cwu.edu/~acquisto/movement.htm
