Coaches Corner: The Science of Bat Speed and Exit Velocity
Welcome back to the Coaches Corner, where we cater to serious players committed to taking their game to the next level. If you didn’t get the chance to read last month’s Coaches Corner on Vertical Approach Angle, you can do that here. In this edition, we're focusing on two critical components of a successful hitter: bat speed and exit velocity. Backed by research and statistics, we'll explore why these factors are pivotal and how you can enhance them using overload and underload training.
The Metrics of Success: Bat Speed and Exit Velocity
Bat speed is the velocity of the bat at the point of contact with the ball, measured in MPH. Exit velocity, meanwhile, measures how fast the ball leaves the bat, also in MPH. Most often, exit velocity is between 1.2-1.4 times harder than the bat speed on the same hit. The correlation is clear: higher bat speed leads to higher exit velocity, which can significantly affects how successful of a hitter you are.
Statistical Breakdown by Levels
To appreciate the impact of these metrics, let’s look at some specific stats across different playing levels:
Youth Players: Average bat speeds range from 40-50 MPH, with exit velocities around 50-60 MPH.
High School: A notable jump, with bat speeds between 60-70 MPH and exit velocities around 70-80 MPH.
College: Players here reach bat speeds of 70-80 MPH and exit velocities in the 90-100 MPH range.
Professional: Elite MLB hitters showcase bat speeds exceeding 80 MPH and exit velocities, often surpassing 100 MPH, with stars like Giancarlo Stanton recording exit velocities of 120 MPH.
Why It Matters
Research underscores the importance of these metrics. A study in the "Journal of Sports Science & Medicine" found that higher exit velocities are strongly associated with successful hitting outcomes in professional baseball. Another study indicated that for every 1 MPH increase in exit velocity, the ball travels an additional 4-6 feet.
Enhancing Bat Speed and Exit Velocity through Training Bats
The use of overload and underload training bats is grounded in the principles of sport-specific muscle training. Here’s how they work:
Overload Training Bats: These bats are 10-20% heavier than a player’s regular bat. The concept, supported by research in the "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research," suggests that training with heavier bats can improve muscle strength and power. This, in turn, can lead to an increase in bat speed.
Underload Training Bats: Lighter by about 10-15% than the standard bat, these bats enhance swing speed and neuromuscular efficiency. A study in the "International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching" showed that training with lighter bats can significantly increase bat speed due to improved quickness and hand-eye coordination.
Best Practices in Training
Balanced Approach: Combine both overload and underload training to achieve the best results.
Monitor Mechanics: Ensure your swing mechanics remain consistent. Don't let the weight alteration change your natural swing.
Progressive Loading: Gradually increase the weight and intensity of your training.
Consistency and Measurement: Regularly track improvements in bat speed and exit velocity to gauge the effectiveness of your training.
In Conclusion
By integrating overload and underload training bats into your regimen, you can systematically enhance your bat speed and exit velocity. Remember, it's about intelligent training, backed by science, to achieve measurable improvements in your game.
Keep pushing the boundaries, and let’s aim for those higher exit velocities and longer hits. Swing hard, swing smart!
