Understanding the relationship between bat speed and exit velocity is crucial for baseball players looking to improve their hitting performance. Learn the key differences and practical ways to enhance both metrics.
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Exit Velocity vs. Bat Speed: What’s the Difference

If you’ve spent time around batting cages or watched baseball broadcasts recently, you’ve likely heard coaches and commentators talk about “exit velocity” and “bat speed.” While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they represent different measurements that impact a hitter’s success in distinct ways. Understanding the relationship between these metrics can be the difference between warning-track power and home runs that clear the fence with room to spare.

What Is Bat Speed?

Bat speed refers to how fast the barrel of the bat is moving at the moment it contacts the baseball. Typically measured in miles per hour (mph), bat speed is generated by the hitter and represents the raw power potential a batter brings to the plate. Think of bat speed as the input – it’s what the hitter contributes to the hitting equation before the ball even comes into play.

The average MLB player generates bat speeds around 70-80 mph, with elite power hitters reaching the mid-80s or even higher. Youth and amateur players typically register lower numbers, with high school players often in the 60-70 mph range.

Bat speed comes primarily from three sources: your kinetic chain (how effectively you transfer energy from your legs through your core to your arms), hand speed, and swing mechanics. A properly sequenced swing with good weight transfer will naturally create more bat speed than one relying solely on arm strength.

What Is Exit Velocity?

Exit velocity measures how fast the ball travels after contact with the bat. This measurement tells you the result of the collision between bat and ball. While bat speed plays a major role in determining exit velocity, several other factors affect this number.

At the MLB level, average exit velocities hover around 90 mph, with the hardest hits exceeding 115 mph. At the high school level, good hitters might generate exit velocities in the 80-90 mph range.

Unlike bat speed, exit velocity depends not just on the hitter but also on pitch velocity, the quality of contact (square vs. off the end), the bat’s characteristics (weight, material, construction), and even environmental factors like humidity and temperature.

The Relationship Between Bat Speed and Exit Velocity

While higher bat speed typically leads to higher exit velocity, the relationship isn’t perfectly linear. Here’s why:

A ball hit with the sweet spot of the bat at 70 mph bat speed will often have a higher exit velocity than a ball hit off the handle with 75 mph bat speed. Perfect contact allows for maximum energy transfer from bat to ball, making quality of contact just as important as raw speed.

For every 1 mph increase in bat speed, you can generally expect about 1.2 mph increase in exit velocity, assuming all other factors remain equal. However, when you add incoming pitch velocity to the equation, the gains can be even greater.

This relationship explains why many coaches focus on both mechanics (to improve contact quality) and strength/speed training (to increase bat speed).

Why These Metrics Matter

Exit velocity has a direct correlation with hitting success. According to data from various levels of baseball, balls hit over 95 mph result in hits roughly 50% of the time. Push that number over 100 mph, and the batting average jumps to approximately .700.

Distance is another key factor affected by exit velocity. A ball hit with an exit velocity of 95 mph at a 25-30 degree launch angle will typically travel 300-350 feet. Increase that exit velocity to 105 mph with the same launch angle, and you’re looking at potential distances of 375-425 feet – the difference between a warning track flyout and a home run.

How to Improve Bat Speed

Improving bat speed requires a multi-faceted approach:

Strengthening your lower half is crucial since power generation starts from the ground up. Incorporate exercises like squats, lunges, and rotational medicine ball throws into your training routine.

Work on your swing mechanics with drills that emphasize proper sequencing – legs first, then hips, then shoulders, then hands. This kinetic chain transfer maximizes energy flow through your body.

Consider swing training tools like weighted bats (both heavier and lighter than your game bat) to develop specific muscles and movement patterns. Many coaches recommend swinging a lighter bat for speed training and a heavier one for strength development.

How to Optimize Exit Velocity

While improving bat speed will naturally help exit velocity, you can optimize your results by:

Working on contact quality through tee work and soft toss drills that emphasize hitting the ball with the barrel’s sweet spot consistently. Many coaches use colored or marked balls to help players track the ball better and make more consistent contact.

Experimenting with different bat weights and models to find the optimal balance between speed and mass for your swing style. Remember that the heaviest bat you can swing effectively will generally produce better exit velocities than the lightest bat you can swing extremely fast.

Studying pitch recognition and timing, as being “on time” with your swing ensures you’re making contact at the optimal point in your swing path where bat speed is maximized.

Measuring Your Progress

Today’s technology makes tracking these metrics more accessible than ever. Portable radar devices like Rapsodo or HitTrax systems can measure both bat speed and exit velocity during practice sessions, giving you immediate feedback on your progress.

For a more affordable option, many batting cages now offer sessions with exit velocity measurements, or you can use smartphone apps that analyze video of your swing to estimate bat speed.

Consistent measurement over time will help you identify what’s working in your training program and where adjustments might be needed.

Ready to Boost Your Hitting Performance?

Understanding the relationship between bat speed and exit velocity is just the first step toward becoming a more dangerous hitter. The right equipment, paired with proper training, can help you translate that knowledge into real results on the field.

At BaseballTips.com, we’ve been helping players improve their performance for over two decades. Whether you’re looking for batting cage equipment to increase your practice efficiency or advice on selecting the perfect bat for your swing, our team of ex-players and coaches is here to help.

Contact us today at 800-487-7432 or visit our online store to explore our selection of batting equipment designed to help you maximize both bat speed and exit velocity. Your journey to more powerful hitting starts here!