Beyond Baseball’s Launch Angle: The Critical Exit Velocity & Timing Context Most Hitting Coaches Overlook

Go beyond baseball’s launch angle, and discover the critical exit velocity and timing context most hitting coaches overlook.

Here are the “parts” of Perry and my conversations:

• Part-1: Why Instruction To Increase Exit Velocity? Baseball & Softball Bat Speed Tips Improving Hitting Power (or listen via Podcast),
• [YOU ARE HERE] Part-2: Beyond Baseball’s Launch Angle: The Critical Exit Velocity & Timing Context Most Hitting Coaches Overlook (or listen via Podcast), and
• Part-3: Best Adjustable Baseball Power Swing Drills For Youth To High School MYTHS? At Home Hitting Mechanics Data & Science Supported (or listen via Podcast)

Introduction

Joey Myers, the host from hittingperformancelab.com, welcomes Perry Husband from effectivevelocity.com for part two of their series. They focus on addressing the misunderstood emphasis on increasing exit velocity in baseball training.

Context

A certain ‘hitting guru’ recently mocked instructors emphasizing exit velocity, prompting Myers and Husband to address the topic and provide clarity. The conversation was sparked by the negative connotation that came with increasing exit velocity in baseball.

Key Insights

Understanding Exit Velocity

• Exit velocity isn’t just about how hard the ball is hit but also about the timing and the context in which it’s hit.
• Timing plays a crucial role. If you’re off by even a millisecond, you won’t achieve the desired result.

Major League Observations

• Many Major League hitters are being judged based on metrics like ‘hard hit rate’ and ‘sweet spot percentage’.
• However, some critiques argue that the metrics punish hitters for ‘ugly hits’ like bloop singles, undermining their actual value to the game.

Effective Velocity (EV) Perspective

• The concept of effective velocity (EV) is often misunderstood.
• EV helps players understand the actual time they have to react to a pitch, taking into consideration the speed and location of the ball.
• Most pitches in the major leagues are classified as ‘twos’ and ‘threes’, indicating that understanding and mastering EV is critical.

Mechanics and Approach

• Proper mechanics combined with the right approach allow hitters to make solid contact.
• A major observation is that a swing plane matching the pitch plane yields better results, contrary to some teachings that emphasize extreme upward swings.
• Hitters need to adjust their timings based on the pitcher’s tactics.

Corey Seeger’s Case Study

• A highlight of Seeger hitting a 98 mph fastball showcases the importance of having the bat’s barrel on plane with the ball’s trajectory.
• Seeger’s hit, although not perfectly aligned with the ball’s sweet spot, was still successful because of his timing and approach.

Conclusion

While launch angles and exit velocities are vital metrics, understanding the context, especially the importance of timing and pitch anticipation, is crucial. The game’s evolution should be towards refining these metrics rather than merely relying on them.

Additional Resources

For more insights, followers can look up Perry Husband on YouTube, where he intends to post more content, on his website, and on Twitter (@EVPerryHusband).