Why Bat Speed is King: How to Train for More Power and Exit Velocity

Why Bat Speed is King: How to Train for More Power and Exit Velocity

If you want to hit for more power and maximize your exit velocity, you need to focus on one thing: bat speed. The harder you swing while maintaining good mechanics, the harder the ball comes off the bat. College and pro scouts know this, which is why bat speed is one of the most important metrics in baseball today. If you’re serious about leveling up your game, here’s how you can train to increase your bat speed and become a more dangerous hitter.

Why Bat Speed Matters

Bat speed isn’t just about hitting home runs—it impacts everything from your ability to handle higher velocity pitching to your overall consistency at the plate. A faster bat means:

• More exit velocity – The faster the bat moves, the harder the ball is hit, leading to more hits and extra-base power.

• More adjustability – With a quicker swing, you have more time to recognize pitches and make better decisions.

• Better performance against elite pitching – High-level pitchers throw hard. If your bat speed isn’t up to par, you’ll struggle to catch up.

How to Train for More Bat Speed

1. Strength and Power Training

Bat speed is directly tied to your overall strength and ability to generate force. Focus on explosive movements like:

• Med Ball Rotational Slams – Develop rotational power for quicker swings.

• Trap Bar Deadlifts – Build lower body strength, a key component of bat speed.

• Speed Squats & Jumps – Train fast-twitch muscles for explosiveness.

2. Overload & Underload Bat Training

Using a mix of heavier and lighter bats trains your body to move the bat faster. Try:

• Overload Training (Heavier Bat, +10% weight) – Builds strength and forces you to stay connected.

• Underload Training (Lighter Bat, -10% weight) – Teaches the body to move the bat quicker.

3. Resistance Band Training for the Upper Body

Your hands and forearms play a major role in bat speed. Incorporate:

• Explosive banded swings – Increase fast-twitch muscle activation.

• Wrist and forearm training – Strengthen grip and bat control.

4. Intent-Based Swing Training

One of the biggest mistakes hitters make is taking “lazy” swings in practice. Every swing should be intentional and aggressive. Train yourself to swing fast by:

• Tracking exit velocity with a bat sensor – Get real-time feedback.

• Competing against your personal best – Keep pushing for more speed.

• Hitting off a tee with max effort – Focus on fast, explosive swings.

How Much Bat Speed Do You Need?

While bat speed varies by level, here are general benchmarks:

• High School Players: 70-80 mph

• College Hitters: 80-90 mph

• Pro-Level: 90+ mph

If you want to compete at the next level, your goal should be to get your bat speed into the college range or higher.

Train with a Purpose

Random drills and guessing won’t get you the bat speed gains you need. You need a structured plan designed for results. That’s exactly what we provide in our Remote Hitting Program, where we break down the mechanics, drills, and strength training necessary to increase bat speed and exit velocity.

Ready to Increase Your Bat Speed?

If you’re serious about hitting harder and performing at a higher level, here’s how we can help:

• Train 1-on-1 with us in our +PWR Hitting FLEX or PRO Programs to develop elite bat speed and power.

• Get the D1 Metrics Course to master the key hitting metrics college coaches look for. (You can find other courses at that link).

• Download our Free Resources to start improving today.

Click here to get started and take your bat speed to the next level! ⚡