"Coach Dunns Quick Pitches" -- By Coach Jack Dunn

INCREASE BAT SPEED

1. To Increase Swing Speed
1. Choose a Lighter Bat

   Swinging a lighter bat will increase your "swing-speed" and therefore, the amount of force with which you hit the ball. Too heavy a bat, one that adversely affects your "swing-speed," will have the opposite effect.

   The law of physics that applies in this situation is called kinetic energy and is stated as follows:

   KE = 1/2(MV^2)

   K.E. = Kinetic Energy or Force M = Mass or Weight of Bat V2 = Velocity or Swing-Speed

   Because the velocity in this formula is "squared," (the number is multiplied by itself) the easiest way to increase force or how hard you hit the ball is to increase velocity. (Swing the bat faster.)

   The faster you swing the bat, while under control, the harder you will hit the ball.

2. Grip the bat correctly

   Grip the bat in a natural relaxed manner laying the bat across the hands where the fingers begin and the palm ends. The grip may be slightly diagonal with the bat lying from the base of the index finger across the palm of the hand.

   Placing the bat too much into the fingers will result in a weak or less secure grip and burying the bat too deeply in the palms will reduce or destroy flexibility. Use your fingers as you would in gripping a bicycle handle — bar grip.

   Grip the bat firmly, but not too tightly.

   A correct grip will improve your flexibility, wrist-action, and swing-speed.

3. Use a "Relaxed-Grip"

   "Don't squeeze sawdust out of the end of the bat," was a saying used to describe hitters who gripped the bat too tightly.

   When a hitter grips the bat too tightly, the hands become tense and rigid, thus impeding a smooth and flexible swing. Tenseness in the hands can radiate throughout the body further destroying flexibility and swing-speed.

   To counteract too rigid a grip try gripping the bat only with your middle, ring, and little fingers. Your thumbs and index fingers should rest lightly around the bat. This grip makes it difficult to form a fist and consequently should result in a more relaxed grip. The thumbs and index fingers will automatically tighten on the bat as contact is made.

4. Hold the bat at a forty-five degree (45°) angle and near the launching position.

   Your bat should be held at a forty-five degree (45°) angle while in your stance. This allows for a relaxed, tension-free stance and when you begin your swing. The weight of the club head of the bat will help propel the bat through the impact zone, thus maximizing your swing-speed. A flat bat means you must "lug" the weight of the club head through the impact zone. A vertical bat position should also be avoided for similar reasons.

   You should always begin your swing as close to the "launching position" as possible to avoid lengthening your swing.

5. Improve your strength

   There is a very strong correlation between strength and success in hitting. A strenuous physical fitness program that incorporates strength and flexibility will permit you to develop to your full potential.

   Any strength program must be under the supervision of an exercise physiologist or certified trainer. This is especially true if the athletes involved are teenagers or younger.

   A professional who understands child growth and development must administer any strength program.

2. DRILLS TO INCREASE SWING-SPEED
1. Cross-Handed Drill

   Purpose: To teach hitter the concept of rapidly throwing the club head of the bat through the strike zone.

   Procedure:

   1. Hitter assumes normal stance.
   2. Hitter grips bat cross-handed, that is, the bottom hand is on top and the other hand is on the bottom.
   3. Hitter drives the ball into net.

2. Fence Drill

   Purpose: To increase "swing-speed" by developing a compact swing.

   Procedure:

   1. The hitter assumes his batting stance facing a fence or wall. He then swings the bat. If the hitting arc is too long, the bat will hit the fence.
   2. For correct distance from the fence, place the knob of the bat at your navel with the club head of the bat (parallel to the ground) touching the fence. You may need to step back a half step to start – then work forward as your swing becomes more compact.
   3. A compact, short-arc swing should be completed without hitting the fence.

3. Throwing the Club Head Drill

   Purpose: To teach the hitter to throw the club head of the bat through the strike zone, thus developing a quick compact swing.

   Procedure:

   1. Hitter assumes a normal batting stance.
   2. Hitter grips bat with bottom hands in normal manner.
   3. Hitter places top hand open and flat against the bat and throws the "club head" at the ball.
   4. Lead arm elbow should be pointing toward the ground and bottom hand should be backhanding to assure proper swing.

4. One Handed Bottom Hand Drill

   Purpose:To teach the proper action of the bottom hand.

   Procedure:

   1. Hitter assumes normal stance.
   2. Hitter grips bat only with bottom hand.
   3. Hitter swings at ball using only the bottom hand to grip the bat.
   4. Emphasis should be on the lead elbow pointing toward the ground and not flying open in the air.
   5. Quick downward stroke and backhanding action.
   6. Emphasize throwing the "pinky finger" at the pitcher's feet. This helps create proper hand action.

5. One Handed Top Hand Drill

   Purpose: To teach hitter the proper action of the top hand and how it brings the club head of the bat through the strike zone.

   Procedure:

   1. Hitter assumes normal stance.
   2. Hitter grips bat with top hand only, similar to a tennis grip.
   3. Hitter drives ball into net.
   4. Emphasize a quick downward stroke.

6. Twist Bat Drill

   Purpose: To determine if hitter is gripping the bat too tightly.

   Procedures:

   1. Hitter assumes normal batting stance.
   2. Coach goes behind hitter, grabs the club end of the bat, and twists it.
   3. If the grip is too tight, the bat will not rotate in player's hands.

7. Weighted Bat

   Purpose: To strengthen the muscles used in the swing.

   Procedure:

   1. Use a slightly weighted bat. However, it should be light enough to all for a normal fluid swing.
   2. Fifty times a day.
   3. Caution: Too heavy a bat can lead to an improper swing.

8. Glove Under Front Arm Drill

   Purpose: To keep front arm close to the body and elbow pointing toward the ground, thus preventing upper cutting and allowing club head to come through quickly and correctly.

   Procedure:

   1. Place hitter's glove, a towel, or cap underneath front arm.
   2. Hitter swings as usual – If swing is done correctly the glove will not drop to the ground – A quick compact swing will result.

9. Screen Throw

   Purpose: To help hitter generate bat speed.

   Procedure: Hitter practices throwing the bat into the screen... exploding with the hands.

These are just a few of the drills that may be used to improve bat speed.

For more from Coach Dunn click on Coaches Corner on the JUGS® website.