As parents we all try hard to support our kids through their sports journey. We all want our kids to love the game, experience some success and learn some valuable life lessons. Many parents will do anything to support their kids to reach the three goals above.
One way we can support kids in their sports journey is to provide some advice, tips or training that will help them get to the next level in their development. Baseball is a sport where kids can grow and it doesn’t take superior genetics to be successful in the game. Major League Baseball players come in all different shapes and sizes and there are 9 different positions on defense that require a little different skill set at each level.
Many of us have probably wondered or questioned at some point on how to increase bat speed. When attending games, there are always the players that seem to hit the ball a little bit further or with more velocity.
This is a great question and below will hope to provide some key information to help you improve your sons bat speed in baseball. If you are here and you have a daughter that plays softball or baseball, the 3 tips below will help out your daughter as well.
How To Increase My Sons Bat Speed: 5 Tips
- Proper Mechanics
- Speed Training
- Drills
- Bat Selection
- Pitch Selection/Confidence
Table of Contents:
- Why is Bat Speed Important
- 5 Tips for Increasing Bat Speed
- Proper Mechanics
- Speed Training
- Drills
- Bat Selection
- Pitch Selection/Confidence
- Related Questions
- Take Action
Why is Bat Speed Important
Bat speed is important because it helps produce additional power and the exit velocity of the baseball. We want the maximum exit velocity of the baseball in every at bat. This is impacted by bat speed, contact of the baseball, and overall pitch selection.
Hitting can be difficult, but it is a skill that with practice players can improve and get better. Fortunately, there are some great options to the market today to help with speed training. There has been a great deal of study in the games of golf and baseball on how to maximize swing speed. We can now take this learning and apply it to people of all ages.
It is a simple equation, the faster the swing, the faster the exit velocity of the baseball which creates more hits as a result of the ball getting through the infield faster and more doubles, triples and home runs.
Batting average should increase with bat speed as should the power numbers. As a result, our kids have more fun playing the sport due to have more success and fun at the plate. Hitting can be stressful, but with the right mindset and training protocols all kids can get better and experience more success.
5 Tips for Increase Bat Speed
Tip #1 – Proper Mechanics
In any skilled sport, it starts with the proper mechanics. THe proper mechanics not only help us hit the ball more often, but with the proper mechanics we can maximize our natural bat speed. The first step with any hitter is ensuring they are swinging properly.
There are different movements within the mechanics that help generate additional bat speed. There is always a balance in the mechanics to increase quality ball contact along with increase bat speed. There must be a quality combination between the two in order to ensure batting average and powers do not drastically decline from mechanical shifts.
- Stance – Your stance is just a starting point. A player can be opened, closed or square. If you study the MLB hitters you will see a number of different setups and stances. The key here is to find something that is comfortable. You want to be in an athletic position with some flex in the knees. Try to keep this balanced without too many extremes to start. We also want to ensure we have a decent spine angle and aren’t too
- The Load – A timing mechanisms that involved picking up the front foot. This allows the hitter to load up on the back leg.
- The Hands – The hands will move slightly away from the body as the body is moving towards the pitchers.
- The Stride – You want to stride back to where you started without overstriding. The front heel is vital – as it drops you start the rotation. Everything is turning simultaneously to ensure everything is happening in sequence. Everyt
- Contact – At contact our front leg is extending full. It is going from flexed to extended as we are hitting into a strong frontside. This will help the swing finish and rip through the ball.
- Follow Throw – After impact we want to “throw the pizza into the oven” This will help maximize the speed in the swing speed. The hands are key to maximize power. A lot of speed can be generated from having quick, strong hands. The hands are there for the ride. You want everything to work together and in sequence. This will help maximize bat speed.
- Home Runs are hit with a slight uppercut. Too many players and coaches are promoting too much of a chopping motion.
Overview of Swing Mechanics (Simplified Version):
Tip #2 – Speed Training
If we want to do something better, we must train to do that something better. Increasing bat speed is no different. We want to increase bat speed, therefore we must train to swing faster. Fortunately, there are some impressive products on the market today. We highly recommend the SuperSpeed Slugger system which is a training protocol.
Included in the set are three different training bats, one of the bat is 20% lighter than your game bat, one 10% lighter, and one 5% heavier. The protocols are included with the training system and are available on their website or youtube. The SuperSpeed Slugger is based on overspeed training and the many years of research behind it.
The idea is to train your mind and body to swing faster than it currently does by using a lighter training bat and then building the strength and maintaining a higher speed through the 5% heavier bat.
The great thing is that each training protocol can be complete in 8-10 minutes for 3 times a week. More than this does not improve results. The body needs time to recover. I have purchased this for my kids ages 7, 8 and 10. The results so far have been impressive. Not only from a swing perspective, but from a mechanical perspective as well.
Below are some excellent videos worth checking out.
How Speed Training Increases Bio Mechanics:
Training 1 Protocol:
“The SuperSpeed Slugger lineup includes 6 different sets to accommodate players across the spectrum of competitive baseball. You should choose your SuperSpeed Slugger set based on the type of bat you are currently using in games.”
SuperSlugger Website
Tip #3 – Drills
All hitters should complete certain hitting drills on a regular basis to help improve mechanics, contact, and overall swing speed. These drills will help you maximize your swing speed. Gaining all the speed in the world doesn’t help if you can make solid contact. Be committed to the game and for you parents out there – get your kid going with some of the quality drills found in the video below.
Drills are vital to developing the swing and staying sharp. All MLB palyers to through their routine each day. I would highly recommend part of that routine being the SuperSpeed Slugger system on 3 days per week and then adding the drills below to the routine.
Top 6 Hitting Drills for People of All Ages
Tip #4 – Bat Selection
It is important to select a bat that helps maximize speed. Far too often, as a coach, I see players with too heavy of a bat. This just slows down the swing and not only hurts the speed, but the contact that the player is making. Here are two quick tips to pick the right size bat out.
Length Test – With the handle of the bat at the center of the chest, your kid should be able to reach the end of the bat. If they can’t it might be too long.
Weight Test – A player should be able to hold a bat out to his or her side for 30-45 seconds to test the weight. If the player cannot do this, the bat might be too heavy.
Size of Barrel – Some leagues will allow a bigger barrel and some might only allow the 2 ¼ inch barrel. We are fine and recommend the bigger barrel as it can provide confidence and make the game fun for youth players. Some players might have two bats, this allows the player to adjust to the different tournament rules they might run into.
Here are our top 2 bats we would recommend:
Lower End Priced:
Higher End Priced:
Don’t Forget to Check out These Sweet Bat Bags!
Tip #5 – Pitch Selection/Confidence
Hitting is not only a physical challenge, but requires the right mindset to be able to reach full potential. Too often kids and parents get upset and discouraged if a kid strikes out or struggles at a game. Instead of getting down, find a way to pitch some extra batting practice to your kid and help instill some confidence in them.
Have 1 or 2 key tips, such as “load and explode” or “stay in the middle” or “Get that barrel through” that you can remind your kid at key times. With my one son I often used the “Get the barrel through” reminder as his barrel would sometimes slow down in games.
My other son had to be reminded to “stay in the middle” as he often wanted to push the ball back side as a lefty hitter. Regardless, we can help our kids on this journey with baseball by simple reminders and how we respond to the situations that each game presents.
If we get frustrated and upset, the kid is sure to do the same thing. Instead remain calm, confident and positive with your kid. Pick them up and try not to be critical. They are just kids trying to have fun with the game. Always keep that in mind!
Related Questions
Which of the tips above is most important for swing speed?
I would highly recommend the SUperSpeed Training. It not only helps with swing speed, but can play a major role in the biomechanics of the swing. Each kid is going to swing a touch different and will be somewhat unique. Building the swing speed and power from both sides will help the player develop the proper mechanics.
Have your kid watch a lot of major league baseball games or check out some excellent swings online. You will be surprised how well kids can replicate swings without talking about all of these different key positions that a hitter must get through. Kids are visual learners and we are fortunate to have access to some great swings that we can watch and replicate.
How important is spin rate?
Spin rate is important for launching the ball. The average person cannot measure, nor do I think the youth baseball player should be overly concerned. Learn to hit different kinds of pitching and focus on hitting line drives. The launch angle and spin rates can come at a much later time.
How to develop the 5 Tools in Baseball?
We have a complete post on the 5 tools in baseball with some drills to develop in each area. It is work checking out. Visit here for the full details – What are the 5 tools in baseball (Bonus: Drills to help you improve)
Take Action…
We all want to help our kids reach their full potential and have fun with sports. Baseball is no different. Swing speed can play a major role in the future potential of your id. Get started today and make sure you consider purchasing the SuperSpeed Slugger system.
It has worked for my kids and has helped my golf game (they have SuperSpeed Golf as well). The results are impressive and it can’t hurt! Get started today and make sure you consider the long term impact for your kid!
Always remember to keep the proper mindset and be the encouraging person that you would want in your life. Life is too short to be fighting over baseball. Love the game, respect the game and always remember to have fun! Training and getting better should be fun.
As kids and adults, we love taking batting practice. Get a hitting net, wiffle balls, heavy balls and different training aids. Here are some of our recommendations below.
Hitting Net
Wiffle Balls
Heavy Baseballs
(Baseball Positions)
(Why Baseball is the best sport)
(Batting Average in Baseball)