Best Hitting Technique to Increase Bat Speed

By Mike Huber

Is Bat Speed Important?

Fast bat speed is the skill that hitters are now focusing on and seeking out new ways to accomplish the fastest bat speed possible. Keeping alert to and learning new batting techniques is what training is all about. A fast bat speed is important in both baseball and softball and it can definitely give the hitter a jump on the competition. Increasing your swing speed is the key to hitting the ball harder and further but some hitting techniques have limits as to how fast a hitter can swing the bat, merely because of the laws of physics. Baseball scouts love to see bat speed at their combine and showcase camps. When it is recorded on paper, it is the one hitting skill that really stands out for the scouts.

How to Increase Bat Speed

As a way to increase bat speed, hitters are beginning to take a closer look at rotational swing mechanics because it has been proven to increase the speed of your swing and thus, the rate of bat speed. Many hitter training systems and consensus coaches have adapted to a technique that combines linear mechanics with rotational mechanics as a way to increase the speed of the bat. In some cases, this combo technique has been proven to increase the average bat speed by 20+ mph.

Combo Technique Explained

The part of the swing that helps swing speed rise is the pushing off of the back leg before rotating the hips into the ball. It has been proven by radar guns, that this technique out performs the old techniques of the past. Put a ball on the tee and take the combo hitting technique for a test drive. Radar guns don't lie. Then watch the flight of the ball, it also doesn't lie. Hitters and coaches around the world of baseball are buying into this combination technique. This technique makes sense, initially, and is backed by a substantial amount of statistical proof to support it. But, does that make it the best technique for increasing bat speed?

Popularity Doesn't Come Without Limitations

Is this combo technique too good to be true? One hitting specialist's answer is yes! The scientific answer to this is also yes. Even though the test results don't lie, they are deceptive. Why? Because each time a hitter uses the technique, he or she should show improvement until they reach their maximum potential. Like the saying, "Practice makes perfect." The deception is that there is a limit as to how fast a hitter can swing the bat using that method, thus lowering what should be, the hitter's maximum potential.

This technique, that combines linear mechanics with rotational swing mechanics, really doesn't work to bring each hitter to their maximum hitting potential. The reason is because hitters are taught to hit the ball when it is out in front of them. The hitter is taught to launch a linear attack off the back foot to meet the ball in front, then follow that up with a powerful rotational hip action. Sure, speed increases, but the forward movement toward the ball has wasted time and resulted in a limit to power and speed.

Once the hitter makes a move or slides forward to the ball, he needs more bat speed to make up for wasted time. So really it is all a wash in most cases. The increase in bat speed made up for the lost time; meaning that the hitter can only get so much better.

The Key is the Right Swing Technique

In reality, the key to a finding a hitter's maximum potential is to teach them a hitting technique that increases both time and speed. The problem with introducing a swing technique that uses only rotational swing mechanics is that most trainers will claim that you can't gain bat speed without linear body momentum when starting the swing.

Their theory has been proven wrong over and over again, but most coaches and trainers just won't listen and take the time to try it for themselves. Using rotational mechanics to produce maximum power and speed has been scientifically backed and proven by those who study martial arts. Several rules that are common in martial arts and the laws of physics can be applied to real life baseball and softball hitting scenarios.

One such technique has been perfected and tested for well over 10 years. Teams and individuals who have been trained in the all rotational swing method have been astounded by its power from the very first swing. The rotational swing method has aided teams and individuals of both baseball and softball in breaking over 80 batting records and winning many championship games. Testing of this method has consistently produced batting average and slugging percentage increases of up to 200 points.

The all rotational swing method is the only hitting technique known to product these results in only two steps and in as little as three lessons. It is the only hitting technique known to produce increased batting average and slugging percentage, simultaneously. To date, using a hitting system that consists of only rotational mechanics has not been beaten by linear or combination hitting system.
 

If you are a baseball or softball coach or hitting trainer, I urge you to try this out for yourself. I truly believe you will be amazed. You can learn more about the all-rotational hitting technique at http://hubiemagic.com
 

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A Single Baseball Bat Speed Exercise!

By Brandon Richey

It is no secret that in order for you to increase your batting average or hitting power that you must have a smart lifting plan to increase your bat speed. Bat speed is what creates the power you need to knock the cover off of the baseball. This power is generated from the center of your body outward through your core muscles and finally to your extremities. This is how the human design works. In order for you to significantly increase your bat speed and improve your batting you have got to have a strong core.

Strength Training For Baseball Bat Speed!

One exercise that is a personal favorite of mine is the single arm kettlebell Turkish get up. By now you may be somewhat familiar with the ancient kettlebell and realize that this is one strength and conditioning tool with a highly respected reputation among the fitness and strength community. It is no mistake that this ancient device has been around for over three centuries.

The get up is performed with the kettlebell by lying on your back on the ground with the kettlebell lifted up above your head with one arm. From this lying position the object of the lift is for you to maintain the bell above your head with your arm in a constant perpendicular angle to the ground throughout the entire lift while standing up to your feet and returning to the ground. As you do this you are to engage your core to shift and distribute your body weight onto your free hand by using the leg on the same side of your body that you are holding the bell. Starting from the lying position you will want to lift the bell up and start rolling onto the elbow of your free arm. Once you get on your elbow then distribute your weight up onto your hand. Meanwhile, the leg on the same side of your body that you are lifting the bell is bent and you are using that foot to push and redistribute your weight to get you into position.

Once you have distributed your weight up onto your hand then from here you just simply will "get up." Now how you get up is your business, but when you do just make sure that you are comfortable and stable in doing so. Once you have stood up to your feet then simply reverse the entire process until you have returned to the start lying position. You will engage your core muscles and develop superior strength that is essential for your bat speed performance with this single lift. If you haven't already started to include the kettlebell get up into your baseball strength and conditioning program then you are missing out. Remember that most anyone can train hard, but only the champions train smart!

To learn more about Kettlebells, Fitness, and achieving Total Mind-Blowing Strength come and visit me at http://www.efandps.com
To be one of my members and to receive more tips on INSANE BODY CONSTRUCTION please visit me at: http://www.efandps.com/www.efandps.com/Brandons_Members_Newsletter.html. I'm Brandon Richey the Strength and Conditioning Pro!

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5 Stations During Batting Practice For Little League

By John R Di Nicola

It has been stated many times that pitching and defense wins ball games. We all know that it would be real boring if that is all teams did. It has been proven time and time again you can win without hitting . However we do have to address the issue so we have to practice hitting. Listed below are 5 stations that will help get your hitters ready for the live action of a game. You will need assistant to carry out these drills. It is important you recruit help. How much help you get will determine how many of these stations you will be able have in a practice.

Hitting off 'T"
Soft Toss
Tracking
Bunting
Batting Practice
Hitting off the "T"

You will for sure have to have hitting of a "T". This is mandatory. You will be limited to the amount of pitches you will throw each hitter. The more swings that get hitting off the "T" the better they will be prepared for batting practices and the game. The first few times through this stations have them hit the as if it were down the middle. Make sure the "T" is no higher than the players waist. Working on the following:

important that the feet are shoulder width apart and player is balanced

when hitting the ball the top hand always on top of the ball

hit the top of the ball driving it downward

pivoting back foot raising heel as the hands follow through hitting zone

As they get comfortable you can position the "T" for the inside pitch and out side pitch. Important when working on outside pitch to position the "T" behind home plate so as to illustrate to players they have to wait on the out side pitch. Also teach them to bring their hands back so their front shoulder turns in toward home plate. This will bring front foot in so they can drive the ball. Most players will open up the front shoulder and hit the ball off the end of the bat or completely miss it.

Soft Toss

The soft station is an extra in Little League. You may want to wait till later on in the season to use this station. Basically a coach on one knee positioned beside player and tossing ball to different zones of the plate. Players swings through ball using all the proper techniques from "T" drills. Hands on top of ball driving through the ball.

Tracking

This an an excellent drill to teach the Little League Player on keeping their eye's focused on the ball. Your above average hitters always work on tracking. Most of them will take pitches just to get the feel of how the pitcher is throwing. They always make the pitchers throw a lot of pitches. Teach them to follow the ball all way to the catcher mitt. This something they should do during batting practice and the game. The more they see the ball the bigger it looks. You can use a rag ball or a whiffle ball.

Bunting

The art of Bunting is so important at all levels of baseball and most neglected. In this day and age of baseball the Home Run is king. It has been proven in recent world series that small ball will win more championships than the Home Runs. Have them bunt at least five balls, down first base line and third base line. Later on you can work on bunts for base hits.

Batting Practice

Because you have so much do and trying to get all the players to hit you have to limit the amount of pitches to each batter (15-20). Have players first work on making contact. You will have the seasoned Little Leaguer who knocks the cover off the ball and then you will have the ones that you really have to work with to get them to make contact. This is why if you have the luxury of having the help to run the stations it would greatly speed up the learning curve.

Most likely you will only use the "T" and Live Batting Practices. Using this model will afford you to run a practice without having a marathon practices. Do not try and do all 5 stations the first practice. As you become comfortable you can adjust your practice schedule and add stations. Most likely you will never do all five in one practice.

Practices Makes Perfect

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. If you would like further information on this topic or other information you can E-Mail me at: jdinicola@easypitching.com

You can follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/easypitching
Web site: http://www.easypitching.com

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Topic: Hitting Tip: Use a Wooden Bat In Batting Practice

Wood bats have smaller sweet spots than metal and composite bats. Using a wood bat in BP will make the sweet spot on your metal/composite bat seem huge. You can purchase both youth and adult wood bats with varied weight/length ratios. A few onces heavier than the game bat is good to build up muscles related to bat swing. I usually recommend taking half BP with wood then the last half with metal/composite. You can get a good wood bat for under $50... give it a try!

Coach Bob

3 Drills That Make Batting Cage Work More Productive

By Nick Dixon
Batting cage batting practice is a great way to improve batting skill, bat speed and batter confidence. Coach Dixon discusses three Hitting Drills That Make Batting Cage Work More Productive. The three drills are the MOVE UP, COUNT ADJUSTMENT and LINE DRIVE CONTEST. These drills are great ways to get maximum benefits from your baseball teams batting cage workouts. The three drills are:

Move Up Batting Drill

Purpose: Used to improve bat speed, visual concentration, and batter confidence.

Description: The MOVE-UP hitting drill: The batter learns to see and hit the ball quicker out of the machine or batters hand. Before the drill begins, 4 spots are marked on the floor, in measured distances of 40, 35, 30, and 25 feet. The machine or pitcher should maintain a safe medium speed velocity during this drill. The accuracy of your pitching machine must be checked and rechecked during the drill for safety purposes. The spots are the locations at which the batter will take a certain number of swings. The batter hits 4 balls at each spot and then move closer to the machine or pitcher at the next spot.

Procedure: The batter hits 4 to 6 balls at each spot, then moves to the next spot closer to the machine or pitcher. The machine or pitcher should not deliver the next pitcher until the batter assumes a proper stance, triggers or loads to the proper launch position, and has visual focus on the pitcher or machine. The batter starts the drill at 40 feet and hits at all spots until he has hit 4 to 6 balls at each spot, ending with ball hit at the closest spot to the pitcher, 25 feet. Distances can be shortened or made longer to meet the needs of your players.

Coaching Points: Sometimes you may have the player hit two balls at each spots moving toward the machine and then hit two balls at each spot moving away from the machine, until two balls are hit at each location or distance. This process makes the batter adjust to varying changes in pitch speed. This drill is great for teaching batters to stay-back and let the ball in.

Count Adjustment Drill

Purpose: The drill is great for teaching young hitters to make adjustments in their approach at the plate based on the current count. Batters learn to be properly aggressive for the following counts or situations 0-0, 2-0, 0-2, 3-1, runner at 3rd with 1 or less outs, and hit-in-run.

Procedure: We have 5 batting cages at our facility. Batters are always hitting in all cages. In a normal situation, the players would be hitting every pitch that they can reach to a location based on the pitch location. To change the approach, a coach calls a count such as 2-0. For the next two pitches, the batter will be properly aggressive as he would with that count in a game. Of course in this situation, the batter is looking for a pitch in that perfect spot. If the ball is at that anticipated location, the batter attacks, the ball. If the ball is not in that spot the batter will hold off the pitch and adjust to the new count of 2-1 or 3-0. If the coach calls, Runner at 3rd, the batter is looking for a pitch up to drive deep enough for a score or tag and score. The batter will try to lift the ball and drive a deep fly ball to the outfield. If the coach calls, Hit-n-Run, the batter will execute a hit-in-run approach at the plate.

Line Drive Contest Drill

After a session of batting cage workouts, we often end the day with a line-drive hitting contest. An assistant coach will do the pitching. The coach is protected by a L-screen. The player should only swing at great pitches. The contest is to see which player hits the most line-drives in a row. A line-drive is a ball that hits the side walls, back wall, or pitchers L-Screen hard and directly off the batters bat. The hit ball can not touch the top of the cage in front of the pitching protective L-Screen. As long as the batter hits line-drives with each swing, the batter continues to bat and his TOTAL COUNT increases. This drill tends to put pressure on the hitters making them learn to hit under pressure.

The CoachesBest Baseball Store has a great selection of BASEBALL HITTING, COACHING and TRAINING DVDs

Check out BattingCagesDirect.com for top quality batting cages at discount prices. They specialize in complete batting cage kits with net and frame included for one low price.
Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, the "Hit2win Company". Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Dixon is widely recognized as an expert in the area of baseball training, practice and skill development. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of several of baseball and softball's most popular training products such as the Original BatAction Hitting Machine, SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, Original Hitting Stick, Hit2win Trainer, SKLZ Target Trainer, SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, Batting Cage Builder, the American Baseball Directory and the Hit2win Baseball Coaches Monthly Newsletter. Dixon has 5 blogs related to baseball training including the BaseballCoachingDigest Blog, CoachesBest Training Blog, Hurricane Machine Training Blog, Batting Cage Buyers Blog, and the Bat Action Training Blog.
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Confidence and Baseball

"Some players put pressure on themselves. I put pressure on the pitcher."
- Mark Texeria

I've got to tell you I love this philosiphy. "Tex" hits it right on the screws with this thought.

I've written before about developing confidence as a baseball player. For those player who are more serious about the game it comes from hard work and a defined program to develop skills.

It's great to play the game as a casual player too. However as kids get older the casual player must take BP on a regular basis to have continued success at the plate.

If you've done the things you need to do to be confident at plate I recommend committing Mark Texeria's words to memory and saying them before every at bat, or every pitch even. You will be one step ahead of winning the battle at the plate.

Coach Bob