Bat Velocity

Blast calls this metric, Bat Speed.  I call it Bat Velocity and Bat Velo for short.  I feel it is more consistent with other metrics in that Bat Velo is measured based on Miles Per Hour (MPH).  Other metrics, such as pitch velocity and exit velocity are also measured by MPH so it just makes sense to keep it consistent.

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So, Bat Velocity is how fast, in MPH, the bat is moving at the point of contact and we, at NFA, use Blast Technology for this testing.  

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Bat velocity can be a pretty good indicator of potential Power where the higher the velocity the more potential power the hitter will possess.  It just makes sense that the faster the bat is moving to contact the more potential for power the hitter will have.  Of course, there are other factors in determining true game power such as quality of contact.  

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We test all of our Bat Velocity's on a batting tee and we take the top velocity of the session which is usually 10 swings.  It is understood that a hitter can "max out" much easier on a tee but that is what this test is about, to determine the potential for power of the hitter.  Obviously the opposite is true as well.  If a hitter has very low bat velocity, her potential for power will be significantly less.  In reality, the hitter that has low bat velocity won't be able to hit the ball with a lot of authority/power even with high quality of contact.  This is a tool just like all tools there are strengths and weaknesses but it is a good place to evaluate one aspect of the hitter.

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We use Bat Velocity testing in our Lessons With Holly and all of our hitting camps and when we test prospects with our National Softball Prospects Showcases or Video Sessions.