Why Instruction To Increase Exit Velocity? Baseball & Softball Bat Speed Tips Improving Hitting Power
Why instruction to increase exit velocity? Learn baseball and fastpitch or slowpitch softball bat speed tips to improve hitting power that are supported by data and science. The following video is a conversation I had with Perry Husband of EffectiveVelocity.com.
Here are the “parts” of Perry and my conversations:
- [YOU ARE HERE] Part-1: Why Instruction To Increase Exit Velocity? Baseball & Softball Bat Speed Tips Improving Hitting Power (or listen via Podcast),
- 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)
Exit Speed Video Summary
The Importance of Exit Velocity in Baseball
In the world of baseball and softball, one term that has gained significant attention is ‘Exit Velocity.’ Exit Velocity refers to the speed of the ball as it comes off the bat, and it has emerged as a critical metric for evaluating a player’s hitting ability.
The Emergence of Exit Velocity
The concept of Exit Velocity was first introduced, by Perry Husband, in a video with J. Bell. The idea was to come up with an efficient and effective teaching method for young players that would maximize their output on the field. Thus, Exit Velocity was born.
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The Impact of Exit Velocity
The average Exit Velocity in Major League Baseball hovers around 75-80% of a player’s maximum.
Teaching based on Exit Velocity can lead to immediate improvements in a player’s performance. It’s not uncommon for players to see their ball exit speeds increase significantly after just a few sessions. This not only boosts their performance on the field but also their self-confidence.
The Controversy around Exit Velocity
Despite its effectiveness, not everyone is on board with the concept of Exit Velocity. Many players and coaches have pre-existing belief systems about hitting based on traditional methods or advice passed down from previous generations.
However, it’s important to note that the proof is in the pudding. One of the best examples is Carlos Pena, who transformed from being a slugger to a hitter and led the Major Leagues in exit velocity the first year it was recognized as a crucial metric, working with Perry.
The Future of Exit Velocity
With the advent of technology and data analysis in baseball, Exit Velocity is likely to play an even more significant role in the future. A player’s ability to produce high Exit Velocities consistently is seen as a marker of their potential to play at higher levels. For instance, a high school player aiming to play in college should be able to achieve an Exit Velocity of at least 80 mph off the tee.
As baseball continues to evolve, so too will the importance of metrics like Exit Velocity. As we move forward, it’s essential to keep an open mind and remain willing to test and adopt new strategies and techniques to improve player performance.
The Power of Exit Velocity in Baseball and Fastpitch Softball Hitting
Exit velocity: it’s not just a statistic, it’s a game-changer. If you’re a baseball or fastpitch softball hitting enthusiast like me, you know that the crack of the bat and the satisfying thud of a ball hitting the mitt are music to our ears. But have you ever stopped to consider the science behind that crack, that thud, and what they mean for the player stepping up to the plate? Welcome to the world of exit velocity – a metric that’s revolutionizing the way we understand hitting in the world of baseball and fastpitch softball.
Unveiling the Exit Velocity Revolution
Picture this: my good friend Perry Husband sitting down with J. Bell, discussing hitting techniques, and suddenly the concept of exit velocity comes up. Oh to be a fly on the wall! It’s like discovering a new dimension in the hitting universe. Exit velocity measures the speed of the ball off the bat, giving us a tangible measure of a hitter’s performance. But the real question is, how can we teach hitting effectively, especially to young players? Well, my friend, that’s where exit velocity swoops in as a game-changer.
The Exit Velocity Magic: Measuring Performance
Exit velocity isn’t just some arbitrary number. It’s a powerful indicator of a player’s prowess. In the major leagues, the average exit velocity hovers around 75% of a player’s maximum potential. This sweet spot is calculated by considering both peak velocities and average in-game speeds. Some players, like the explosive Arias, even manage to crank it up to 80%. It’s a number that doesn’t just impress statisticians – it directly impacts players’ game-changing abilities.
Unlocking Confidence: Exit Velocity’s Psychological Impact
Exit velocity isn’t just about digits on paper; it’s about boosting player confidence. Imagine this: you teach a player how to increase their exit velocity, and suddenly their ball exits the bat with newfound vigor. But it’s not just the numbers that change; it’s the player’s whole demeanor. Walking up to the plate with their chest puffed out and a grin that says, “I got this,” is the difference that exit velocity makes. It’s a confidence booster that transforms how players approach the game.
Challenging the Skeptics: Science and Exit Velocity
There are always skeptics who resist change. Some folks cling to outdated methods, unwilling to embrace new ideas. To them, I say: science speaks for itself. The scientific method empowers us to question, experiment, and learn. Embracing exit velocity is about embracing progress. Remember Carlos Pena? Thanks to Perry Husband, he transitioned from slugger to hitting virtuoso, leading the league in exit velocity. Science and data paved his way, and it can do the same for all players.
The Secret Sauce: More Than Just Power
Boosting exit velocity isn’t a brute force exercise. It’s about finesse, precision, and timing. Swinging faster or harder doesn’t guarantee success; it’s about meeting the pitch where it lives and aligning the barrel just right. Imagine a barrel with a 15-degree upward trajectory meeting a ball descending 2-3 degrees in the zone. Like some teach, this approach would be sub-optimal, compared to a barrel attack angle between 3-6 degrees to a ball descending 2-5 degrees in the zone. It’s all about that timing, launch angle, and sweet spot.
A Velocity-Driven Batting Average Surge
Prepare to be amazed. Using Big League data, hitting the ball at 90 miles per hour or faster has a remarkable impact on your batting average. The numbers don’t lie – hitting a ground ball at 80 mph yields a .275 batting average. But crank that speed up to 100 mph, and your average soars to .440 with a slugging percentage of .480. Exit velocity is the key to unlocking batting prowess and making pitchers sweat.
Timing Trumps All: The Art of Hitting
Pitchers strive for ground balls to reduce the risk of home runs. However, the pitcher MUST be careful because a hard hit ground ball will give them trouble! But here’s the twist – timing matters even more. Messing with a hitter’s timing can throw their game off balance. It’s a symphony of data and precision that unlocks game-changing results. Remember, better data equals better outcomes.
Setting the Bar: Exit Velocity Goals
Whether you’re a college player or a high school athlete, exit velocity goals are your compass. High schoolers, hitting at least 80 off the tee sets the stage for future success. Seniors in high school? Aim for that hundred-mile-an-hour exit velocity mark in games (which translates to around 90 off the tee). These numbers aren’t just aspirations – they’re the stepping stones to greatness.
Conclusion: The Speedy Path to Hitting Excellence
Exit velocity isn’t just a number; it’s a ticket to hitting excellence. From boosting confidence to revolutionizing hitting strategies, it’s a metric that’s changing the game, one crack of the bat at a time. Embrace the data, challenge the skeptics, and harness the power of science to propel your hitting game to new heights.
FAQs About Exit Velocity and Hitting
- What exactly is exit velocity? Exit velocity measures how fast the ball leaves the bat after impact, providing insight into a hitter’s performance.
- Can exit velocity improve a player’s confidence? Absolutely! Higher exit velocity leads to boosted self-assurance, transforming a player’s demeanor and approach.
- Is exit velocity only about swinging harder? No, it’s about precision and timing. Knowing where to put the barrel on the ball is just as crucial.
- Why does hitting at higher exit velocities matter? Hitting the ball faster significantly elevates your batting average and slugging percentage, putting pressure on pitchers.
- What’s the takeaway for aspiring players? Exit velocity goals set the bar for hitting excellence, guiding players toward consistent improvement and future success.
So, there you have it – exit velocity: the science, the impact, and the path to hitting greatness. Ready to step up your hitting game? It’s time to embrace the power of exit velocity and swing your way into the spotlight!
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