Bat Speed -- Baseball Hitting Forum

Posted by: Carlos M. () on Sun May 6 14:48:28 2001

>>> My question is this, what should the differences be- if any- between a baseball swing and a slo-pitch softball swing?? <<<

> Hi Carlos
>
> To hit a baseball or softball hard requires that maximum bat speed be attained by contact. Good mechanics will accelerate a softball bat just as well as a baseball bat. Of course, timing and the angle of the swing plane may vary from baseball to slo-pitch and fast-pitch, but good basic transfer mechanics remains the same.
>
> One of the main reasons baseball or softball hitters cannot really drive the ball is a combination of poor mechanics and using a lightweight bat. Using a lightweight bat allows a hitter to bring the bat to contact using the smaller muscle groups – mainly relying on extending the arms. A lightweight bat and average bat speeds is not a formula for hitting the ball hard. But swinging a bat with more substance at a good velocity will require more efficient mechanics that use the larger muscles of the legs and torso.
>
> Jack Mankin

Makes sense. Thanks!

And you kind of killed two birds with one stone by also answering a question that I've had on my mind regarding bat weight.

Thanks again.

Carlos

Followups:

Post a followup:

Name:

E-mail:

Subject:

Text:

> >>> My question is this, what should the differences be- if any- between a baseball swing and a slo-pitch softball swing?? <<<
>  
> 
> > Hi Carlos
> > 
> > To hit a baseball or softball hard requires that maximum bat speed be attained by contact. Good mechanics will accelerate a softball bat just as well as a baseball bat. Of course, timing and the angle of the swing plane may vary from baseball to slo-pitch and fast-pitch, but good basic transfer mechanics remains the same.
> > 
> > One of the main reasons baseball or softball hitters cannot really drive the ball is a combination of poor mechanics and using a lightweight bat. Using a lightweight bat allows a hitter to bring the bat to contact using the smaller muscle groups – mainly relying on extending the arms. A lightweight bat and average bat speeds is not a formula for hitting the ball hard. But swinging a bat with more substance at a good velocity will require more efficient mechanics that use the larger muscles of the legs and torso. 
> > 
> > Jack Mankin 
> 
> 
> Makes sense.  Thanks!
> 
> And you kind of killed two birds with one stone by also answering a question that I've had on my mind regarding bat weight.  
> 
> Thanks again.
> 
> Carlos

Anti-Spambot Question:

This famous game is played during the middle of the MLB season?
   Super Bowl
   World Series
   All Star Game
   Championship