subject: Do You Have Warning Track Power? Increase Your Bat Speed And Become A True Power Hitter [print this page] What does it really take to be able to hit for power? If you are hitting a baseball or softball, you must increase bat speed to hit the long balls. There is a widely spread misconception that you have to be big and strong to hit for power. Strength is very important when hitting but it's not everything. Here are 3 important tips to help you increase bat speed and move up in the lineup.
Power Hitting starts with the legs
Having strong legs will aid in increase bat speed. You must develop a solid and strong base to be able to hit for power. Leg squats are probably the best exercise you can do to build leg muscles. You can add some additional exercises such as leg curls, calve raises, and leg extensions for increased strength.
Strengthen your midsection
Core strength is very important when trying to increase bat speed. The ability to rotate your hips through the hitting zone as quickly as possible will help promote bat speed. You will want to concentrate on the entire abdominal muscle group. This includes right and left obliques, lower abs, and the center abs or "six pack". A well developed core will be extremely beneficial when trying to hit for power.
Properly train your muscles
In order to increase bat speed you must properly train your muscles to do the right thing over and over again. This is what we call muscle memory. Swinging a heavy bat for instance, would only cause you to swing slow. On the reverse side, swinging a light bat would do the opposite. You must train your muscles to swing fast, therefor using a light bat. Try using a fungo bat with tennis balls for your tee drills into the net. Swing 15 to 20 reps and rest. Repeat this 2 or 3 times.
Are you ready to move up in the lineup? Start building strong leg muscles, strengthen your core, and use the properly weighted bat and you will see amazing results in your hitting.
