Blast Connect | Metrics

What is Peak Hand Speed?

Peak Hand Speed is the observed maximum speed as measured on the handle of the bat (measured six inches from the knob of the bat). Peak Hand Speed will occur prior to the moment of impact, very close to the commit time in the swing when the wrists unhinge.

Why is Peak Hand Speed important?

Hand Speed can be an important contribution to overall Bat Speed. The more efficient the swing, the more that Body Rotation will contribute to the overall Hand Speed in an efficient sequencing pattern. Contrarily, in very hand dominated swings, the hands are Powering the bat motion and are disconnected from the Body Rotations. This results in increased variability in Hand Speed as well as in resultant Bat Speed.

What should Peak Hand Speed be?

The typical Peak Hand Speed depends on age, strength, bat length and weight, experience level, and swing style. Analysis from our database provides typical Peak Hand Speed ranges for the following age groups and skill levels for softball: * Professional: 21 - 27 mph * College: 20 - 26 mph * Travel Ball 16U - 18U: 18 - 26 mph * High School Varsity: 16 - 24 mph * High School Junior Varsity: 14 - 22 mph * Travel Ball 12U - 14U: 13 - 21 mph * Recreational: 10 - 18 mph

How do I improve Peak Hand Speed?

It is more important to focus on developing a more efficient and Powerful swing rather than training directly to Hand Speed. Hand Speed is a very important metric, but to increase Hand Speed in the appropriate way, the hitter needs to learn to swing more efficiently. By doing so, Hand 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 Hand Speed will be more natural as the hitter develops a more efficient and Powerful coordinated movement pattern. Tracking Hand Speed metrics over time will demonstrate improvements in the overall quality of the swing.