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BAT SPEED IS KING. D1 is an elite level of play. Pitchers throw harder. Fielders move more quickly. You must have the bat speed to catch up to velocity and the exit velocity to rocket balls past defenders….and over the fence.
BAT SPEED [bat sensors] and EXIT VELOCITY [radar] translate to D1 success. High school game stats do not.
Coaches will need to know if you’re on a trajectory to meet key metric benchmarks.
Are there magic numbers to reach? Yes & no. Context is key. A good rule of thumb would be:
Low-90’s exit velocity & low-70’s bat speed [by the time you’re a High School senior].
The younger you are, the more your relative metrics [metrics relative to age/size/position value, etc] will matter versus your absolute metrics [metrics right now vs D1 standard]
What is Bat Speed?
- The speed of the sweet spot/barrel of the bat during the swing near the moment of impact.
Why is bat speed so important?
- Helps you catch up to & handle higher velocity pitching
- Contributes to higher batted ball exit velocity
- Higher exit velocities result in more hits, extra base hits
- Still have to hit the ball squarely to maximize bat speed
How is bat speed/barrel speed measured?
- Bat Sensors [placed on knob of bat]
What is Exit Velocity?
- Speed of the ball off the bat
Why is exit velocity so important?
- Indicates ability to hit the ball hard
- High bat speeds at impact results in higher exit speeds
- Hard hit balls result in more hits/distance/extra-base hits
How is Exit Velocity Measured? [Radar]
- Pocket Radar [home use – some showcases]
- Stalker or Jugs Radar Gun [home use – showcases]
- Trackman [major showcases]
- HitTrax [training facilities]
- Rapsodo [training facilities ]