Effects of Various Training Techniques on Bat Velocity of High School Baseball Players

Abstract

Faster bat speed allows a baseball or softball player more time to decide how to hit the ball and provides more transfer of momentum to the ball (Nathan, 2003; Syzmanski, DeRenne, Spaniol, 2009). Purpose: This paper examines the effectiveness of three training strategies for improving bat speed among high school baseball players. Methods: Nine high school students were recruited and separated into 3 groups using different training implements. A standard bat (29 oz.), a weighted bat (45 oz.), and Therabands attached to a standard bat were used over a 3-week training program. Data were analyzed using a Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA. Results: The standard bat group experienced no change in bat speed (± 0.89), while the weighted bat group increased by 1.9 ± 0.46 mph and the Theraband group improved by 3.1 ± 0.38 mph. The only significant difference was in the change in bat speed between the Theraband group and the standard bat group (p = .022). All other data were non-significant. Conclusions: Attaching Therabands to a standard bat may be an effective training tool to improve bat speed.