If you are anything like me during my playing days, whenever it was my turn to be on deck, you would go out there and either slap on the bat weight or grab the heavy bat. You would take some slow swings to get loose before grabbing your regular bat and head to the plate to hit. I understand the feeling - it's great to feel loose, and the bat feels like a toothpick in your hand. However, what if I told you that you, like me, were actually swinging slower when you need to be swinging the fastest?
In the blog we will explore the benefits of underload bats as a swing primer in the on deck circle to give you the speed when you need it most.
You Are Swinging Slower
There have been studies conducted to examine the effect of swinging a heavy bat on subsequent swings. One of the studies, conducted by the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI), found that swinging a heavy bat can lead to a slower swing speed.
The study involved 20 college baseball players, who were asked to swing three different bats in a random order: a standard bat, a bat that was 10% heavier than the standard bat, and a bat that was 20% heavier than the standard bat. The players swung each bat 10 times, and the swing speed was measured with a radar gun.
The results showed that after swinging the heavier bats, the players' swing speed decreased when they went back to swinging the standard bat. Specifically, after swinging the bat that was 20% heavier, the players' swing speed decreased by an average of 4.4 miles per hour.
Another study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research also found similar results. The study involved 16 college baseball players who were asked to swing a standard bat, a bat that was 5% heavier, and a bat that was 10% heavier. The results showed that after swinging the heavier bats, the players' swing speed decreased when they went back to swinging the standard bat.
Overall, these studies suggest that swinging a heavy bat in the on-deck circle can lead to a slower swing speed during the game. It's important for athletes and coaches to consider the potential negative effects of swinging a heavy bat and to make informed decisions about incorporating it into their training routine.
What's The Alternative?
While there is less research on the effects of swinging a light bat in the on-deck circle, some studies have found that it can lead to an increase in swing speed during the game.
For example, a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research examined the effects of swinging a light bat (20% lighter than a standard bat) on swing speed in 19 college baseball players. The players were asked to swing a standard bat and the light bat in random order and their swing speed was measured with a radar gun. The results showed that after swinging the light bat, the players' swing speed increased by an average of 3.9 miles per hour when they went back to swinging the standard bat.
Another study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine found similar results in 21 junior elite baseball players. The players were asked to swing a standard bat and a bat that was 10% lighter in random order, and their swing speed was measured with a radar gun. The results showed that after swinging the lighter bat, the players' swing speed increased by an average of 2.6 miles per hour when they went back to swinging the standard bat.
What's The Answer?
So, what's the best approach for your on-deck routine? The answer lies in a mix of both heavy and light bat swings. By incorporating both types of swings into your routine, you can get loosened up, reinforce your swing feel, while also improving bat speed.
Here are some tips for a well-rounded on-deck routine:
- Start with a standard bat to warm up and get a feel for your swings.
- Incorporate heavier bat swings to get loose, but limit them to a few swings per round.
- Mix in my Swing Speed Trainer Sticks to prime the system to move fast when moving fast is required most, but again, limit them to a few swings per round.
- Finish with a few swings with the standard bat to reinforce your swing feel and timing.
Remember, the key to an effective on-deck routine is to use a mix of heavy and light bat swings in moderation. By incorporating these swings into your routine, you can improve your swing speed and and be ready to perform at peak speed during the game.
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