How to Increase Bat Speed: What Actually Moves the Number
Bat speed is the raw material for power. It is also one of the more trainable qualities in hitting, provided the work is done in a sensible order.
1. Get stronger
A hitter can only move the bat as fast as his body can produce force. For most high school hitters, strength is the biggest limit and the cheapest gain.
- Lower body: squats, split squats, hinges
- Trunk: anti-rotation work and carries
- Upper body and grip: rows, presses, pulling
2. Turn strength into rotational power
Strength has to be expressed quickly and in rotation.
- Medicine ball rotational throws and scoop tosses
- Jumps and lateral bounds
- Fast, lighter lifts
More on this in rotational power for hitters.
3. Use the body in order
Speed comes from sequence: the lower body starts, the trunk follows, then the arms and the bat. A hitter who fires the hands first leaves speed unused. One of the most common findings in an assessment is a hitter who does not load into the rear hip, so there is nothing to unwind from.
4. Overload and underload swings
Swinging bats heavier and lighter than your game bat trains both strength in the swing and speed of movement. Keep the swing the same, progress gradually and measure. Details are in bat speed and exit velocity.
Swing with intent
Some hitters gain speed simply by trying to swing fast with feedback from a sensor. Low-effort swings in practice train low-effort swings.
What it looks like when it works
One hitter we worked with raised his top bat speed from 69.7 to 80.8 mph and his exit velocity from 86 to 93.2 mph. That took sustained work on how he loaded his rear hip, drill work off the tee and front toss, and machine sessions against velocity and breaking balls with different bats.
Mistakes to avoid
- Speed without contact. If squared-up contact drops as speed rises, slow the progression.
- A longer swing. Adding speed by adding length gives the pitcher more time.
- Swinging hard only. Without strength work the gains stall.
- Too much volume. Max-effort swings are taxing on the obliques and back. Keep sets short.
- Not measuring. Without a number you are guessing.
Expect progress over months. Test every few weeks on the same device, with the same bat.
This article is general information, not medical advice. See a doctor or physical therapist about pain or injury, and check with a qualified professional before starting a new training program.