How To Increase Bat Swing Speed

Every baseball or softball player knows the thrill of a well-hit ball. It's that sweet sound when the baseball bat or softball bat meets ball, the exhilaration as you watch it soar into the distance. But what if you could make that happen more often? What if you could increase your bat speed and, by extension, your hitting power? Well, buckle up because the Bat Experts at JustBats are about to embark on a journey to discover how to do that.

Understanding Bat Swing Speed

Before we dive into increasing your bat speed, let's first understand what bat speed is. In simple terms, it's the speed at which the bat moves. The faster a hitter can swing their baseball or softball bat, the more power they will generate on contact. Diving deeper into bat speed, you’ll uncover the important roles of biomechanics, muscle coordination, and technique. 

Building Strength for Greater Bat Speed

You can't talk about increasing bat speed without discussing strength training. It's the foundation upon which your batting prowess rests. The most important muscles include the core, hips, and upper body (back, chest, and arms.) Here are a few exercises that can help:

• Weightlifting: Focus on compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. These exercises work for multiple muscle groups, building overall body strength.
• Wrist Curls: Strengthening your wrists can lead to a quicker swing. Try incorporating wrist curls into your workout routine.
• Core Exercises: A strong core is vital for generating power during a swing. Planks, Russian twists, and other core-strengthening exercises can be beneficial.

Perfecting Your Technique

If you have ever seen players like Dustin Pedroia or Jose Altuve, you understand that a hulking stature or Popeye-like muscles aren’t the end-all-be-all of bat speed generation. You need to work on your technique to maximize your bat speed. Here's how you can improve:

• Grip: Hold the bat firmly but not too tightly. The handle should rest on your fingers, not deep in your palms.
• Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your weight should be evenly distributed between both feet.
• Swing: Your swing should be smooth and fluid, not choppy or forced. Practice makes perfect!

Using the Right Equipment

The right bat can make a world of difference to your bat speed. When choosing a bat, consider its weight, length, and material. A balanced bat might allow for faster swings, but it may compromise on power. It's all about finding the best bat that works best for you. 

If you are not sure which baseball bat or softball bat will help your game the most, give our Bat Coach a try. Start by selecting the type of bat you are searching for, then let the Bat Coach reveal 'hand-picked' results created just for you.

Training Bats

If you are looking to maximize your swing, it might be time to invest in new training equipment. No, we aren’t talking about a new set of dumbbells or a weight bench. Instead, we are talking about training bats. These are bats specifically designed to elevate the muscles you primarily use throughout your swing. At JustBats, we have training bats such as one-handed trainers and weighted bats to help bolster your swing speeds.

Does Using A Donut Improve Bat Speed?

If you have ever watched a baseball game, regardless of the level, you have probably seen on-deck hitters swinging with a weight on the barrel of their baseball bat. This is a donut. Most players utilize a donut to loosen their muscles quickly, while others take full swings with a donut so that their bat feels “lighter” when the donut is taken off. But does using a donut improve bat speed prior to an at-bat? JustBats.com examines.

If you are at the gym and getting ready to bench press, you are not going to do five bench presses with 25 extra pounds beforehand. While the first couple of presses afterward may feel lighter, your muscles have not suddenly grown stronger, and you will likely hit a wall of fatigue sooner than you otherwise would have. Same thing when you use a donut on your bat. As you are on-deck swinging with a donut, your muscles are not getting stronger at the moment. Therefore, your maximum bat speed will remain at the same threshold as before.

Tips on how to properly utilize a bat donut:

• Use a donut as a strengthening tool.
• While doing tee-work, soft toss, or front toss your player can swing with a donut (or weight sleeve) on their barrel.
• If you remain consistent to practicing with the extra weight on the bat, your player will grow stronger and develop quicker bat speed over time. The key is to make sure their hands are going to the ball and not dropping. It’s quite easy to develop bad habits when swinging a heavier weight so it is very important to monitor their swing.

Use a donut in the on-deck circle. “But you just said that it would not improve the bat speed?” Correct. Using a donut in the on-deck circle does not improve your bat speed prior to an at-bat. However, baseball is an extremely mental game and if your player believes they are swinging the bat faster then all the more reason to do it. Here at JustBats, our goal is that every player walks up to the plate with the full confidence in the bat in their hands.

Speed is Key, But Not Everything

Increasing your bat speed can significantly improve your game, but remember, it's just one piece of the puzzle. A well-rounded player excels in all aspects of the game, from fielding to base running. So, while you work on your bat speed, don't neglect the other areas of your game.

Swing Speed FAQs

Can I increase my bat speed overnight?

Unfortunately, no. Increasing bat speed requires consistent effort and practice. It's a gradual process, but the results are worth the wait. Continue generating strength and repeating your swing and your bat speed will increase.

Does a lighter bat always mean faster speed?

Not necessarily. While a lighter bat might be easier to swing, it may not generate as much power. It's important to find a bat that balances both aspects.

Are strength and technique equally important for increasing bat speed?

Yes, they are. Strength provides the power needed for a fast swing, while technique ensures that power is used efficiently. Both are crucial for increasing bat speed.

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We hope this article on increasing bat speed helps accelerate your swings. If you ever have any questions or are interested in shopping for a new bat, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team of Bat Experts. We are more than happy to talk about baseball and softball with anyone at any time. You can call or text 866-321-2287, email experts@justbats.com, or you can click here to live chat. We’re JustBats and we’re with you from Click to Hit!