How to Improve Bat Speed

Improving your bat speed can be the first step to becoming a great hitter. Doing so, though, is not as simple as swinging the bat as hard as you possibly can. There are several steps you can take in order to obtain a faster swing. Here is how to improve bat speed.

Instructions

1. Begin by working on the mechanics of your swing without actually swinging a bat. A common mistake many amateur hitters make is over-swinging the bat and not standing correctly. It's important to have wide stance at the plate and to always lead with your hips. Leading with your hips will cause a more natural motion with your upper body, thus increasing your bat speed.

2. Once your perfected your stance and swinging motion, begin taking practice swings with a weighted bat. Doing so will make your muscles stronger thus helping to increase your bat speed. You probably won't notice a difference until you begin swinging with a lighter bat.

3. After you've gotten used to the heavier bat, use it to practice your swing by hitting a ball on a tee. This will help you to improve the accuracy of your swing while improving your bat speed. Swinging the bat won't do you any good if you don't hit the ball well. Speed is nothing without accuracy.

4. Eventually, begin taking practice using a lighter bat. You shouldn't pull out the lighter bat in a game time situation without getting used to it first. Chances are you'll over swing with the lighter bat at the beginning. Practicing with it will allow you to get used to your newfound bat speed.

5. Use your lighter bat in a game. Many people believe that a heavier bat makes the difference at the plate. Ted Williams proved that is not the case. A lighter bat and a faster bat speed will improve your on base percentage as well as your power at the plate.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that swinging a baseball bat is much like swinging a golf club. If you swing the bat too hard, you'll most likely just pop the ball up or miss it all together. You should have a controlled, natural swing.