Unlocking Power: The Case for Bat Speed Training
Bat speed and bat speed training have become hot topics in the hitting world, often stirring up debate. Some argue that focusing on bat speed leads to long, loopy swings and an increase whiff rates. While there may be some truth to those concerns, they don’t paint the full picture of what effective bat speed training really looks like.
When done the right way, bat speed training can be a game-changer for hitters at every level. The key is using tools like a Blast Motion sensor not just to track bat speed, but also to monitor metrics like attack angle and time to contact. By keeping a close eye on these metrics, hitters can work on increasing bat speed while maintaining an efficient bat path and compact swing.
The truth is, every hitter can benefit from bat speed training. A faster bat doesn’t just mean harder-hit balls, it means more time to make decisions, better adjustability in the box, and a higher ceiling for power and performance.
Let’s dive into why bat speed — and training it the right way — is a must for any hitter who wants to elevate their game.
Why Bat Speed and Bat Speed Training are Important
One of the most important reasons to prioritize bat speed is that it raises both the ceiling and the floor of a hitter’s performance. At its core, higher bat speed directly contributes to increased exit velocity, which translates into greater offensive output. There’s also a positive correlation between bat speed and barrel percentage, meaning harder swings can help produce more frequent quality contact. But the benefits go deeper than just hitting the ball harder.
Higher bat speed doesn’t just enhance a hitter’s best swings, it improves their misses too. A jam-shot pop-up can turn into a bloop single. A routine fly ball on a “just missed” pitch can leave the yard. Increasing bat speed makes a hitter more dangerous even when they’re slightly off.
Now, some argue that bat speed training can lead to mechanical breakdowns — longer swings, poor sequencing, or more swing-and-miss. And while I don’t have hard data to dispute that, I’ve seen the opposite happen firsthand. I’ve watched hitters clean up their mechanics simply by training to swing harder. When a hitter is focused on moving fast and efficiently, the body naturally starts to figure out how to move in a more athletic and powerful way. In many cases, bat speed training has helped unlock better sequencing, cleaner paths, and more intent at the plate.
So how do I go about training bat speed with hitters
How to Train Bat Speed
There will be a few drills to do off the tee, flips, and machine on each day of bat speed training. I choose to vary drills each day or week to keep the training fresh for the players. We also will use the Driveline Axe bat bat speed trainers (end loaded- green, handle loaded- red, underloaded- blue) along with a few other bats.
Sample Bat Speed Training Day
Tee Work- 2 sets of 3 swings with each of the Axe bat speed trainers & game bat
Walk Throughs
Flow Drill
Gilmores (similar to Happy Gilmore’s swing)
Game Swing
Flips- 2 sets of 3 swings with each of the Axe bat speed trainers & game bat
Walk Throughs
Flow Drill
Gilmores
Game Swing
Machine- all game swings
Double machine- RHP angle sliders, LHP angle fastballs
Bats- mix of speed trainers, game bat, and smash bat to help also train bat-to-ball
Conclusion
The key is to get enough volume of swings while still being able to swing at max effort/intent with every swing. Drills on bat speed days will vary and so will machine setup to continue to challenge hitters in differing environments. Different hitting environments leads to more adjustability and preparedness come game time. When done with purpose, bat speed training offers a wide range of benefits with very little downside.
