How to improve my bat speed?
There are several tried and true methods of improving one’s bat speed. I prefer simplicity, while others care more about results than the ease with which to accomplish this goal.
String Method: This is my favorite due to its simplicity. Tie one end of a piece of string between twelve and thirty feet long to the bumper of your car; tie the other end to one of your bat’s legs or around the torso (Warning: DO NOT tie the line around the bat’s wings or neck; the first of these will impede its flight, the second may kill it). Start by driving ten mph and gradually increase your speed, not exceeding forty mph. Observe your bat closely for signs of fatigue.
Slingshot Method: Use a water balloon sling to hurl your bat. It won’t actually fly, but it’ll go fast.
Cannon Method: Use a potato cannon to launch your bat and achieve the best possible bat speed without destroying the animal utterly. However, this method will kill the bat, but it’ll sail like nobody’s business.
Of course, others may ask this question without a thought toward the small flying mammals, referring instead to baseball bats. That’s very different.
The best way to improve bat speed when it comes to baseball is by shortening the swing. Do not chase after balls on the outside of the plate; stand closer to the plate and hold your forearms closer to your chest when you swing the bat. Avoid extending your arms completely; this always results in slower bat speed. Only batters with good power can knock them out of the park with an extended-arm swing, and in all likelihood, you’re not one of them.
Step1 Study the mechanics of a good swing. According to Hall of Famer Tony Gwyn, “bat speed comes from being in the correct position and using the correct swing.” Video tape yourself during batting practice and have someone who knows hitting study it with you. Step2 Practice hitting with a fungo bat. The fungo is smaller and lighter than a regular bat and will teach you how to generate good bat speed. Hit whiffle balls, tennis balls, or socks to avoid breaking the fungo bat. Finding ways to improve bat speed will lead many people to some very strange methods. While there really is no secret that will magically improve bat speed, there are some unique and little known training tools that the pros have used for years to help them increase bat speed as much as ten miles per hour. Likely, you have seen the basic wrist training techniques and other methods to help you bring the bat through the zone with more efficiency and more power. However, what you may not know is that too much muscle b
