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Metrics

Bat Speed

Bat Speed is the observed speed of the sweet spot of the bat at impact. The sweet spot of the bat is measured six inches from the tip of the bat.

What is Bat Speed?

Bat Speed is the observed speed of the sweet spot of the bat at impact. The sweet spot of the bat is measured six inches from the tip of the bat.

Why is Bat Speed important?

Achieving higher Bat Speeds at the moment of impact results in higher ball exit speeds, which ultimately results in longer hit distances. With the emphasis on exit velocities in MLB, Bat Speed is the most direct metric for correlating to the batted ball exit velocity.

What should Bat Speed be?

The typical Bat Speed depends on age, strength, bat length and weight, experience level, swing style, and use case (practice swings vs game swings). Analysis from our database provides typical Bat Speed ranges for the following age groups and skill levels for softball: * Professional: 63 - 75 mph * College: 58 - 70 mph * Travel Ball 16U - 18U: 54 - 66 mph * High School Varsity: 49 - 63 mph * High School Junior Varsity: 42 - 56 mph * Travel Ball 12U - 14U: 38 - 52 mph * Recreational: 32 - 46 mph

How do I improve Bat Speed?

It is more important to focus on developing a more efficient and Powerful swing rather than training directly to Bat Speed. Bat Speed is a very important metric, but to increase Bat Speed in the appropriate way, the hitter needs to learn to swing more efficiently. By doing so, Bat Speed will improve as it is the result of the improvements in the quality of the swing. As the Body Rotation ratio and On Plane percentage metrics become more optimized, the Bat Speed will start to increase as the hitter develops a more efficient and Powerful coordinated movement pattern. Tracking Bat Speed metrics over time will demonstrate improvements in the overall quality of the swing.