I really have never done this with the older kids. However, now that I have a radar gun (one of the cheaper ones), where should I stand and point to get the best idea/accuracy to meaasure bat speed.
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Having studied Bat Speed in the late 80's thru early 90's (and prior to the BPF), I utilized a wealth of college talent (some moving on the pro ball). Following that study, I applied that
research to the youngest of age groups.
For the two phase study, I utilized two primary tools
a. Quick Bat II manufactured by Sport Star &
b. Ray Gun manufactured by Decateur
Given the physics of the kinetic energy equation (ie 1/2 m time velocity squared) the incoming theory assumed bat speed is directly related to distance the ball travels.
In reality, I observed it was a
combination of bat speed and hitting mechanics (i.e. use of upper body, lower body and core) that achieved optimal results regardless of the bat.
I will emphasize the heaviest bat that was swung the faster (prior to contact and after contact) produced the most ball velocity (as measure at 60 ft) and traveled further.
It was also observed from all ages, that bat speeds that were equal to or exceeded pitch velocities, were more successful.
In layman's terms, bat velo at 85 mph hit college pitching at 85 mph. Bat velo at HS averages of 78-83 mph, hit HS pitching of 78-83 mph. 12U bat velo of 60-75 mph, hit 12U pitching of 60-75 mph.
The maximum ball speed recorded at 60 feet was
85 mph, yet nearly 10 mph the lowest bat speed (prior to contact), and with the heaviest of bats (ie 35 oz)
You may be interested in several other 'projects' performed over the years.
cheers
Bear
research to the youngest of age groups.
For the two phase study, I utilized two primary tools
a. Quick Bat II manufactured by Sport Star &
b. Ray Gun manufactured by Decateur
Given the physics of the kinetic energy equation (ie 1/2 m time velocity squared) the incoming theory assumed bat speed is directly related to distance the ball travels.
In reality, I observed it was a
combination of bat speed and hitting mechanics (i.e. use of upper body, lower body and core) that achieved optimal results regardless of the bat.
I will emphasize the heaviest bat that was swung the faster (prior to contact and after contact) produced the most ball velocity (as measure at 60 ft) and traveled further.
It was also observed from all ages, that bat speeds that were equal to or exceeded pitch velocities, were more successful.
In layman's terms, bat velo at 85 mph hit college pitching at 85 mph. Bat velo at HS averages of 78-83 mph, hit HS pitching of 78-83 mph. 12U bat velo of 60-75 mph, hit 12U pitching of 60-75 mph.
The maximum ball speed recorded at 60 feet was
85 mph, yet nearly 10 mph the lowest bat speed (prior to contact), and with the heaviest of bats (ie 35 oz)
You may be interested in several other 'projects' performed over the years.
cheers
Bear
My son's hitting instructor guns the ball speed, not the bat speed. The speed of the ball is a result of bat speed and bat head control. If you hit it on the sweet spot it goes faster. I think this is great training exercise and makes tee work a little more interesting. The highest velocity he generated was 91 mph off the tee with a wood bat. The transation then is the bat speed had to be 91 or higher to generate a ball speed of 91. Most likely it was higher because some velocity is lost unless you make perfect contact. This is an easy drill to do if you have a radar gun you use to gun pitchiers.
GS,
Who is your son's hitting instructor, or better yet, what does he know about the physics of hitting?
I was able to measure the speed of bat prior to ball contact, and the speed of the bat after ball contact, in addition to the speed of the
baseball after contact.
Let me re-emphasize it was the heaviest bat that was swung the fastest prior to ball contact and after ball contact, that produced the most ball velocity (as measure at 60 ft).
I was unable to measure or observe where on
the bat, ball contact was made. (Although a
reasonable idea, additional equipment is
required to obtain the data.) Thus, I am unable to agree with your conclusion:
..."Most likely it was higher because some velocity is lost unless you make perfect contact."
Bottom line: Most physics for some is easy.
Some of the greatest baseball players were
also outstanding and self trained physicists.
Ted Williams, having some background in
aerodynamics, spent many years studying flight.
Babe Ruth would carve a notch around the label of his Louisville Slugger after hitting a home run. Sandy Koufax understood the mechanics of pitching prior to the techinology of film making and the study of biomechnics.
Regards
Bear
Who is your son's hitting instructor, or better yet, what does he know about the physics of hitting?
I was able to measure the speed of bat prior to ball contact, and the speed of the bat after ball contact, in addition to the speed of the
baseball after contact.
Let me re-emphasize it was the heaviest bat that was swung the fastest prior to ball contact and after ball contact, that produced the most ball velocity (as measure at 60 ft).
I was unable to measure or observe where on
the bat, ball contact was made. (Although a
reasonable idea, additional equipment is
required to obtain the data.) Thus, I am unable to agree with your conclusion:
..."Most likely it was higher because some velocity is lost unless you make perfect contact."
Bottom line: Most physics for some is easy.
Some of the greatest baseball players were
also outstanding and self trained physicists.
Ted Williams, having some background in
aerodynamics, spent many years studying flight.
Babe Ruth would carve a notch around the label of his Louisville Slugger after hitting a home run. Sandy Koufax understood the mechanics of pitching prior to the techinology of film making and the study of biomechnics.
Regards
Bear