What should are some drills that increase bat speed.... Im also looking for more power, Im a line drive hitter but Im looking to have to evalted line drives....
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you gotta post a clip....otherwise to much guessing..
Get in a swimmimg pool and swing the bat under water---will increase bat speed like you cannot believe
That is really funny. Which end of the pool?
quote:Get in a swimmimg pool and swing the bat under water---will increase bat speed like you cannot believe
You're right, I cannot believe!!
I am surprised you so called experts arent aware of this- swinging a bat under water builds strength and bat speed thanx to the resistance of the water
Try it---somemtimes us old guys know what we speak of
Try it---somemtimes us old guys know what we speak of
TR,
I wasn't trying to be disrespectful. I really thought you were kidding. If that worked, you would think putting a bat with bands like pitchers use would work.
I wasn't trying to be disrespectful. I really thought you were kidding. If that worked, you would think putting a bat with bands like pitchers use would work.
Most high school hitters would gain far more bat speed by focusing on improved technique instead of increased strength.
All high school hitters would do better to focus on both technique and conditioning.
Hmmm....bats in the pool. Can't be good for a wood or metal bat.
Are you in the bat business?????
Are you in the bat business?????
Anyone remember when Sports Illustrated did a spread on Gregg Jefferies and they showed him in the pool with a bat using the technique TR mentioned? Had to be around 1988 or so.
roll it up
No I am not in the bat business
As for ruining a bat you use bats that are "worn" out
With all the new fangled techniquers sometimes the simplest methods work best and they sure are cheaper
No I am not in the bat business
As for ruining a bat you use bats that are "worn" out
With all the new fangled techniquers sometimes the simplest methods work best and they sure are cheaper
quote:With all the new fangled techniquers sometimes the simplest methods work best and they sure are cheaper
I couldn't agree more. I have heard of the bat in the swimming pool drill. To me it makes perfect sense. Increased torso or "mid section" strength will naturally add to an increase in bat speed. Along with alot of other strength conditioning. If you have bad technique, then work on the technique. I would think strength has to be a consideration in bat speed.
The beauty of TR's advice is that as long as you take a wood bat to the pool, you will be able to use the heavy water logged bat when you get home which might also help you increase your bat speed.
quote:Get in a swimmimg pool and swing the bat under water---will increase bat speed like you cannot believe
TRhit
Maybe you have gone off the deep end??
You can always put fish in the pool and try to swat 'em!!
Blue Dog
Even an old dog like me can teach you something
Try it
Even an old dog like me can teach you something
Try it
Tr, some of these guys haven't actually been around the game, but they sure can read a hitting website and remember all the details.
Old fashioned resistance can be found in many ways. They do make a bat handle attached to therabands and it works well with conditioning. Water resistance can be used for building leg strentgh, arm strentgh under water, and swing resistance. Some of us know this, and some don't.
Old fashioned resistance can be found in many ways. They do make a bat handle attached to therabands and it works well with conditioning. Water resistance can be used for building leg strentgh, arm strentgh under water, and swing resistance. Some of us know this, and some don't.
Coachric
Sometinmes logic is better that internet guru dribble
Sometinmes logic is better that internet guru dribble
Two things here. #1 Improving your swing mechanics will increase your bat speed. #2 Being stronger will increase your bat speed.
If you try to swing harder with poor swing mechanics you will actually produce less bat speed. You should only have one swing. Not a hard swing and a not so hard swing or a power swing vs a contact swing. Your swing should be your swing. The first thing you should do is make sure your swing is fundementally sound. Then you should work on getting your core stronger. I dont care how physically strong you are if your swing mechanics are not very good your not going to mash. And the stronger you are with good swing mechanics the more bat speed you will be able to produce with your swing. Guys that try to muscle up to produce power simply can not hit. One swing one speed on the swing there is not difference in approach on the swing itself , at least there shouldnt be.
If you try to swing harder with poor swing mechanics you will actually produce less bat speed. You should only have one swing. Not a hard swing and a not so hard swing or a power swing vs a contact swing. Your swing should be your swing. The first thing you should do is make sure your swing is fundementally sound. Then you should work on getting your core stronger. I dont care how physically strong you are if your swing mechanics are not very good your not going to mash. And the stronger you are with good swing mechanics the more bat speed you will be able to produce with your swing. Guys that try to muscle up to produce power simply can not hit. One swing one speed on the swing there is not difference in approach on the swing itself , at least there shouldnt be.
Coach May,
You mean to tell me you don't tell your players to "choke up and just get the bat on the ball". I've seen and heard that 2 many times to count.
You mean to tell me you don't tell your players to "choke up and just get the bat on the ball". I've seen and heard that 2 many times to count.
"THE REST OF THE STORY"
In 1984, we selected Gregg Jefferies and John Wetteland to join our American High School team for our 1st Goodwill Series in Japan.
During this trip, Gregg, his father and I traveled outside Osaka to a glove maker who made a handmade SSK glove for Gregg. Later when Gregg signed with the Mets, we equipped him with the special SSK bats. The 5'9" Gregg, hit the ball extremely hard with the SSK bats that the opposing team pick up the bat and cut it in half to look for cork.
Gregg's father devise the hitting in water with a flat barrel bat. He also threw indoor bp with tennis balls with numbers.
Gregg is the only player [now over 7,000] in our 23 years of International Goodwill Series to ask me "can I hit again later tonight". This was in Osaka on our 1st practice after 10 hours in the airplane.
"Bat speed, desire, inner arrogrance, focus and no fear" are the characteristics of a hitter.
PS: we use the automobile tire, hanging on a rope from a tree. Swing your old wood bat threw the tire, 5 swings, then rest and do it again.
Ichiro uses "rapid fire" soft toss. My son Robert now sells the SSK wood bats to Barry Bonds and he discusses hitting with Barry Bonds. Jefferies and Bonds attended the same high school in San Mateo.
Bob Williams
In 1984, we selected Gregg Jefferies and John Wetteland to join our American High School team for our 1st Goodwill Series in Japan.
During this trip, Gregg, his father and I traveled outside Osaka to a glove maker who made a handmade SSK glove for Gregg. Later when Gregg signed with the Mets, we equipped him with the special SSK bats. The 5'9" Gregg, hit the ball extremely hard with the SSK bats that the opposing team pick up the bat and cut it in half to look for cork.
Gregg's father devise the hitting in water with a flat barrel bat. He also threw indoor bp with tennis balls with numbers.
Gregg is the only player [now over 7,000] in our 23 years of International Goodwill Series to ask me "can I hit again later tonight". This was in Osaka on our 1st practice after 10 hours in the airplane.
"Bat speed, desire, inner arrogrance, focus and no fear" are the characteristics of a hitter.
PS: we use the automobile tire, hanging on a rope from a tree. Swing your old wood bat threw the tire, 5 swings, then rest and do it again.
Ichiro uses "rapid fire" soft toss. My son Robert now sells the SSK wood bats to Barry Bonds and he discusses hitting with Barry Bonds. Jefferies and Bonds attended the same high school in San Mateo.
Bob Williams
I dont know why some of you are giving TRHit such grief here. There have to be a lot of merits to swinging in water not the least of which has to be the feedback. By being slowed down, you can probably ascertain what components of your mechanics are slowing you down the most.
We will try this a bit this summer... I think there will be a couple of other things that will help using this method.
Cheers...
We will try this a bit this summer... I think there will be a couple of other things that will help using this method.
Cheers...
Not
It is not grief --they are expressing their opinions
I prefer the water to the tire drill--if you hit the tire improperly you can severely shock the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints
One of the first athletes I knew of using water was Jets QB Joe Namath---he could not run without pain in his multi operated on knees and the swimming gave him the exercise he needed without any adverse impact such as he had in running
It is not grief --they are expressing their opinions
I prefer the water to the tire drill--if you hit the tire improperly you can severely shock the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints
One of the first athletes I knew of using water was Jets QB Joe Namath---he could not run without pain in his multi operated on knees and the swimming gave him the exercise he needed without any adverse impact such as he had in running
TR, ..this is very interesting to me. Son is a lifeguard ( his part time job ), so having a pool and a bat close by is always convenient to him.
What would you suggest is a good number of reps ( swinging the bat ) at a time, in the water?
He swims as an added part of his baseball work out, and this sounds like it might be a good extra drill he could try.
What would you suggest is a good number of reps ( swinging the bat ) at a time, in the water?
He swims as an added part of his baseball work out, and this sounds like it might be a good extra drill he could try.
I have heard where someone well known used swinging a bat under water. I've never actually seen it though. I have seen many other excercizes that players do under water in rehab situations.
My question for those that might know or have actually wittnessed under water swinging of a bat...
Is the hitters head under water? Or does the swing start out of the water and then drop into the water?
Or is it used to work on the swing just in the swing plane?
One method for developing bat speed has always been swinging something extra light (ie. broom stick). Theory, you practice speed to get better at speed. It seems to me that it would be next to impossible to swing a bat under water at anything other than very slow motion.
I could understand the value for rehab or even strength gain... So here is one more question... does added strength automatically translate to more bat speed in every case?
Anyone here ever swung a bat under water? Hate to sound stupid, but I'm curious as to what it's like and if it works.
Thanks
My question for those that might know or have actually wittnessed under water swinging of a bat...
Is the hitters head under water? Or does the swing start out of the water and then drop into the water?
Or is it used to work on the swing just in the swing plane?
One method for developing bat speed has always been swinging something extra light (ie. broom stick). Theory, you practice speed to get better at speed. It seems to me that it would be next to impossible to swing a bat under water at anything other than very slow motion.
I could understand the value for rehab or even strength gain... So here is one more question... does added strength automatically translate to more bat speed in every case?
Anyone here ever swung a bat under water? Hate to sound stupid, but I'm curious as to what it's like and if it works.
Thanks
quote:Originally posted by PGStaff:
... One method for developing bat speed has always been swinging something extra light (ie. broom stick). Theory, you practice speed to get better at speed. It seems to me that it would be next to impossible to swing a bat under water at anything other than very slow motion.
I could understand the value for rehab or even strength gain... So here is one more question... does added strength automatically translate to more bat speed in every case? ...
What you are saying has been tested and is known as underload / overload training. DeRenne and many others have performed controlled experiments with training using overweight / underweight bats / balls to measure the effects on bat speed and pitch velocity.
The overload portion teaches the body to recruit more muscle for the movement. The underload portion teaches the nervous system to fire quicker. (This is paraphrased.)
I never seen anyone swinging in a pool. I have seen hitters use bats equipped with fins that provide air resistance proportional to bat speed.
My son carries and manuevers concrete cinder blocks under water as part of his lifeguard training/conditioning.
I was assuming that he would be swinging the bat submerged underwater, ( head and all )...although perhaps easier said than done! ha!
I cant quite picture it either. Would love for someone to explain in detail.
Bats equipped with fins?
Who would have thunk?
I learn something new here almost every day!
I was assuming that he would be swinging the bat submerged underwater, ( head and all )...although perhaps easier said than done! ha!
I cant quite picture it either. Would love for someone to explain in detail.
Bats equipped with fins?
Who would have thunk?
I learn something new here almost every day!
Do wrist exercises. The wrists are a key part of the swing.
One thing I know for a fact is that swimming doesn't/can't get the legs and lungs fit for running......Only running can do that!!
Blue dog
You dont use the lungs in swimming ???---you are so lost I feel sorry for you and kids you might be giving instruction to, if in fact you give instruction outside of your mind
You dont use the lungs in swimming ???---you are so lost I feel sorry for you and kids you might be giving instruction to, if in fact you give instruction outside of your mind
quote:Is the hitters head under water? Or does the swing start out of the water and then drop into the water?
Or is it used to work on the swing just in the swing plane?
Does anyone know the answer to PG's questions?
I'm really very interested in this, if anyone would be so kind.
~ Thank you ~
quote:You dont use the lungs in swimming ???---
TRhit, when it comes to motor control function, you are on page 1, volume 1!!
I would advise not to swing a bat under water!!
Just as I would advise not to swim to get your body fit for any competition other than swimming!!...Possibly for water polo, I'm not really sure!!
You would be teaching your motor control function the wrong things for swinging a bat!!
The wrists are the weakest joint in the body for a reason....They are merely a linkage and aren't to be used to produce power....Same goes for the shoulders!!
Just as I would advise not to swim to get your body fit for any competition other than swimming!!...Possibly for water polo, I'm not really sure!!
You would be teaching your motor control function the wrong things for swinging a bat!!
The wrists are the weakest joint in the body for a reason....They are merely a linkage and aren't to be used to produce power....Same goes for the shoulders!!
If you want to strengthen your core muscles, do it the proper way with stretching and weight training!!
This way, you won't be teaching your motor control function the wrong stuff!!
This way, you won't be teaching your motor control function the wrong stuff!!
I used to want nto come back in my next life as TEACHERMAN---but now it is Blue Dog because he knows even more------he sooooo smart and has all the answers but never can answer a question--like a politician
TR, since you brought up the idea about swinging the bat in the pool, can you explain it to me? I believe PG asked some questions about this technique also, so it is more than just I and my son, who are interested.
The word war between you and Bluedog seems to be getting in the way.
My son is going to the pool this afternoon,...if I he knew what and how to try your proposed technique, he could start today. ( which is good because we have snow on the ground outside. )
Son's interest is peeked and he wants to try.
The word war between you and Bluedog seems to be getting in the way.
My son is going to the pool this afternoon,...if I he knew what and how to try your proposed technique, he could start today. ( which is good because we have snow on the ground outside. )
....thank you for your opinion Blue Dog.quote:I would advise not to swing a bat under water!!
Son's interest is peeked and he wants to try.
Well,...cricket cricket,....no answers so far and son has already taken off for the pool this afternoon.
He's a big boy.
I'm pretty sure he can figure it out.
He's a big boy.
I'm pretty sure he can figure it out.
I played in the minor leagues and I used the under water bat drill every off season since I was around 11.
Here is how I did it:
Stand in the shallow end of the pool, with the water anywhere from chest to neck height.
Do your normal stride load sequence and swing. The bat will go from being over the water before you swing to in/under the water as you approach the hitting zone.
When swinging, you will feel a great deal of resistance. If your hands come out of the slot or bar at all, it will be very hard to get the bat through the hitting zone. (the hitting zone, in this case, is the water)
Work on driving through the ball with the hands inside, and finish high. The bat will be out of the water again at the end of the swing.
As for bats, I suggest an older aluminum bat. Even if its a bit lighter to start off with, thats fine, As your strength and mechanics improve, you can always move up weights.
The purpose of this drill is to stay connected with the arms, hands, and elbows, build bat speed, and keep the bat in the hitting zone for as long as possible.
Here is how I did it:
Stand in the shallow end of the pool, with the water anywhere from chest to neck height.
Do your normal stride load sequence and swing. The bat will go from being over the water before you swing to in/under the water as you approach the hitting zone.
When swinging, you will feel a great deal of resistance. If your hands come out of the slot or bar at all, it will be very hard to get the bat through the hitting zone. (the hitting zone, in this case, is the water)
Work on driving through the ball with the hands inside, and finish high. The bat will be out of the water again at the end of the swing.
As for bats, I suggest an older aluminum bat. Even if its a bit lighter to start off with, thats fine, As your strength and mechanics improve, you can always move up weights.
The purpose of this drill is to stay connected with the arms, hands, and elbows, build bat speed, and keep the bat in the hitting zone for as long as possible.
JKBHS15,
YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!
Thank youuuuuuuu,...thank youuuuuuuuu
for the clarification!!!!!
Its very much appreciated!!!
( and welcome to the HSBBW!!! )
YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!
Thank youuuuuuuu,...thank youuuuuuuuu
for the clarification!!!!!
Its very much appreciated!!!
( and welcome to the HSBBW!!! )
Remember, keeping your swing short to the ball will increase your bat speed. Also you never want to tense or try and muscle the ball. All you want is a short path to the ball with loose hands and learn to hit behind the ball. By keeping your hands loose helps you to duplicate your swing everytime and thats what you want.
Back in college, we swung bats underwater. I am not sure it helped but it was interesting. We would get into water upto our chest and take 100 swings.
We did a lot of pool work for rehab/prehab for our arms. Despite what BlueDog said, it was a great source of excercise and strength training.
We did a lot of pool work for rehab/prehab for our arms. Despite what BlueDog said, it was a great source of excercise and strength training.
redbird
Nice to know that I am not the only one who has done this.
I like it because there is resistance with no returning force such as hitting a swinging tire---hit a tire the wrong way and you can ruin your arm joints
It. swinging under water, will build not only upper body strength but also bat speed
Nice to know that I am not the only one who has done this.
I like it because there is resistance with no returning force such as hitting a swinging tire---hit a tire the wrong way and you can ruin your arm joints
It. swinging under water, will build not only upper body strength but also bat speed
I've not only done it Tr, I still teach it to those who want to get stronger, and may not have access to therabands and weights. In the martial arts, we used water for all kinds of resistance training, and yes Aqua Puppy, it works.
Swinging a bat under water is an exercise in fooling yourself!!
quote:Originally posted by GFK:quote:Originally posted by PGStaff:
... One method for developing bat speed has always been swinging something extra light (ie. broom stick). Theory, you practice speed to get better at speed. It seems to me that it would be next to impossible to swing a bat under water at anything other than very slow motion.
I could understand the value for rehab or even strength gain... So here is one more question... does added strength automatically translate to more bat speed in every case? ...
What you are saying has been tested and is known as underload / overload training. DeRenne and many others have performed controlled experiments with training using overweight / underweight bats / balls to measure the effects on bat speed and pitch velocity.
The overload portion teaches the body to recruit more muscle for the movement. The underload portion teaches the nervous system to fire quicker. (This is paraphrased.)
I never seen anyone swinging in a pool. I have seen hitters use bats equipped with fins that provide air resistance proportional to bat speed.
Thank God! I finally see that someone knows what they are talking about on this board. There is so much mis-information on this thread about bat speed and strenght that it was like a train wreck and I couldnt take my eyes off it.
Swinging it water has been proven to reduce bat speed!!!!! It screws up your normal mechanics and builds that nice SLOW strength that most of you guys think is a good thing.
Strength + speed = Power
Power = bat velocity
Its all neuro recruitment of fast twitch muscle fiber. Yes it is slow twitch too but its the fast twitch supplying the explosiveness.
Over/under is the way to train for velocity and it needs to be within 4oz on either side of your game bats weight.
This is all proven in actually studys. Not, well my bat feels faster lab.
Hey dude, line drives are what you want. A base hitter is more valuable that a once in a while home run hitter. Theres not one pro hitter (except barry bonds) that wouldn't trade a home run hitting 200 batting avg.for a 400 avg. base hitter. You want to create bat speed. You will everything from go swimming with your bat and everything inbetween. First of all, yes, work out, second stay loose through the zone and at point of contact, also (see the ball all the way) and third work out those legs hard. Very hard. Whether your hitting or pitching your legs are your core. Make them STRONG!
go 3-5 oz over load on 35 dry swings full tilt then 3-5 oz underload for 35 swings then game bat 35 swings every other day in conjunction with your focused tee work on the opposite days. working 105 t-balls on muscle memory and form . i use ball pit plastic balls in the basement the trajectory matches and i dont hurt stuff . your control, speed and form will show . you gotta work hard to get what you ask ,ya gotta sweat !!!
