Exit Velocity By Age: The Path To Power

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Exit Velocity By Age: The Path To Power

Written by Chris

Published on February 22, 2024

I hadn't really heard of the term exit velocity until I started watching the Baseball Bat Bros review new bats. Their video on the CatX and its crazy exit velo numbers definitely played a role in us purchasing it. At younger ages, players' strengths and abilities to generate high exit velocities are still developing, making it important to understand the role that age plays in this process. Coaches and trainers can then tailor their instruction at different stages of their development, which then helps athletes reach their potential as they progress through the ranks. An understanding of exit velocity by age can help in setting realistic goals and designing training programs to help players improve their skills.

In this article, we will discuss the significance of exit velocity in baseball, what it means for players of different ages, and how the data can influence training approaches and player development.

Exit Velocity: Definition And Importance

Understanding Exit Velocity

Exit velocity is a term commonly used in baseball and softball and it refers to the speed at which the ball travels after it makes contact with the bat. This measurement is expressed in miles per hour and is an indication of the energy transfer from the bat to the ball during contact. Higher exit velocities generally translate to better hitting performance.

Significance in Baseball and Softball

In both baseball and softball, exit velocity serves as an essential metric for evaluating a player's hitting performance. Additionally, a higher exit velocity usually results in a greater likelihood of achieving successful hits, as the ball travels faster and farther. Coaches and scouts often use exit velocity readings to identify areas for improvement and to track a player's progress over time.

Monitoring exit velocities has become a huge part of training and player development. Furthermore, by understanding their exit velocities, hitters can work on improving their bat speed and contact quality, leading to better offensive production.

Exit Velocity By Age Group

Youth Players

Youth players, typically aged 7-12, are generally in the early stages of developing their hitting skills. Exit velocity at this level can vary greatly, due to the differences in physical strength, size, and skill. It is important for youth players to focus on proper hitting mechanics and gradually build up their exit velocity. While exit speeds may not be as high in youth players as they are in older age groups, they do play an important role in their development.

High School Players

High school baseball and fastpitch softball players, generally aged 13-18, often see a significant increase in exit velocities as they mature physically. During high school, exit speeds can range from 70-90+ mph for baseball and 60-80+ mph for fastpitch softball. These exit speeds often depend on the player's strength, technique, and bat speed. High school athletes looking to play at higher levels should focus on increasing their exit velocities over time.

Age	Baseball Exit Speed Range (mph)	Fastpitch Softball Exit Speed Range (mph)
13-15	70-80	60-70
16-18	80-90+	70-80+

College Players

College baseball and fastpitch softball players have already developed a solid foundation in terms of hitting mechanics and typically possess higher exit velocities than younger players. They often have exit speeds in the range of 90-100+ mph, while fastpitch softball players can see exit speeds ranging from 70-90+ mph.

MLB Players

MLB players represent the highest level of baseball performance and exit velocity. In Major League Baseball, exit speeds can typically top 100+ mph, with the best hitters sometimes reaching 115+ mph. It's important to note that while having a high exit velocity is great, it doesn't guarantee success at the major league level. Other factors, such as consistency, plate discipline, and situational awareness, also play a significant role.

Name	Team	Max Exit Velocity (MPH)
Matt Olsen	Braves	118.6
Jake Burger	White Sox	118.2
Wilson Contreras	Cardinals	117.5
Aaron Judge	Yankees	116.9
Ronald Acuna Jr.	Braves	116.7
Vladamir Guerrero Jr.	Blue Jays	116.7
Shohei Ohtani	Angles	116.7
Austin Riley	Braves	116.1
Yordan Alvarez	Astros	116
George Springer	Blue Jays	115.9

Baseball Savant

Factors Affecting Exit Velocity

Bat Speed

One of the primary factors affecting exit velocity is bat speed. A faster bat speed should produce a higher exit velocity. Bat speed and exit velocity are closely linked, where bat speed focuses on the swing velocity, while exit velocity includes both bat speed and contact quality.

Swing Mechanics

Swing mechanics also play a crucial role in exit velocity. Proper torque, balance, and sequencing of the body during the swing contribute to the transfer of energy from the hitter to the bat and ultimately to the ball. Hitting the ball with the sweet spot of the bat is vital, as it allows for maximum energy transfer and a higher exit velocity.

Pitch Characteristics

The characteristics of the pitch, such as pitch speed and spin, can also impact exit velocity. Generally, a faster pitch allows for a higher exit velocity, as the energy from the incoming pitch is transferred to the ball upon contact. However, the hitter's ability to adjust their swing and make solid contact with different pitch types is crucial for consistent exit velocities.

Hitting Metrics

Hitting metrics, such as launch angle and exit velocity, are valuable tools for evaluating a player's performance at the plate. Higher exit velocities often lead to better outcomes, such as hard-hit balls and solid contact. Launch angle, the angle at which the ball leaves the bat, can also significantly impact the outcome of a hit. A good launch angle with a high exit velocity increases the chances of a successful hit.

In conclusion, exit velocity is affected by various factors, including bat speed, swing mechanics, pitch characteristics, and hitting metrics. Baseball players should focus on these aspects during player development to increase their exit velocity and improve overall hitting performance.

Measuring And Analyzing Exit Velocity

Tools and Methods

To measure exit velocity, a radar gun is typically used. This device tracks the ball speed immediately after contact with the bat. Another option for measuring exit velocity is using a Rapsodo device, which combines radar and camera technology to capture both the batted ball exit velocity and spin rate.

HitTrax is also an amazing swing analyzer that can track exit velocity and launch angle while you take batting practice at your favorite MLB park. It uses a built-in camera to capture the motion of the bat and ball, providing more detailed information on the player's swing mechanics.

Understanding Results

The results you get from these tools provide insights into a player's power potential, bat speed, and ability to generate distance on batted balls. By evaluating a player's exit velocity and comparing it to charts and averaging data, coaches, and players can identify strengths and weaknesses in their swing mechanics, bat choice, and overall performance.

Average Exit Velocity By Age

The average exit velocity can vary depending on the age and skill level of a player. It's essential for players and coaches to understand what constitutes a good exit velocity by age to evaluate their performance compared to others in their age group. Here is a brief guideline for exit velocities by age:

Ages 8-12: 40-60 mph

Ages 13-15: 61-75 mph

Ages 16-18: 71-85 mph

College and professional: 90+ mph

Keep in mind, these ranges are just general guidelines, and individual performance may vary. By understanding and also analyzing the exit velocity, players can gain valuable information on areas of potential improvement and set realistic, age-appropriate goals for their development.

Improving Exit Velocity

Increasing exit velocity is a must for hitters who want to see better results at the plate. This requires a combination of correct mechanics and strength.

In addition, one key aspect of improving exit velocity is focusing on the hitter's approach. This includes mastering the art of pitch recognition, which allows the hitter to react quickly and efficiently. With better pitch recognition, they can make solid contact with the ball and consistently have quality at-bats.

Next, it's important to work on mechanics and fine-tune the swing to optimize the trampoline effect when making contact with the ball. Hitters should also pay attention to their stance, stride, hand position, and bat path. These factors can really improve the power and consistency of their swings.

In addition to mechanics, developing the necessary muscle strength plays a big role in achieving a higher exit velocity. Strengthening the muscles related to hitting, such as the core, hips, and legs, can improve overall body strength and coordination. Incorporating a targeted workout regimen that focuses on these areas will help increase power and exit velocity.

Measuring exit velocity consistently is important to monitor progress and make adjustments in training. Parents, coaches, or the hitter can use a radar gun to measure the ball's speed coming off the bat during practice sessions. This will help gauge if the adjustments being made in mechanics and strength training are leading to improvements in exit velocity.

When choosing equipment, it is worth noting that using a wood bat can enhance a young hitter's ability to increase exit velocity, as wood bats often require more precise contact and generate more feedback.

Exit Velocity By Age - Final Thoughts

Analyzing the average exit velocity by age provides valuable insights into the development and potential of young baseball players. The data shows a clear progression in exit velocity as players mature and gain strength and experience. Younger players may exhibit lower average exit velocities initially, but with proper training and development, they have the potential to increase their power over time. It's vital for coaches, scouts, and players themselves to understand these trends and use them as benchmarks for growth and improvement. By focusing on improving bat speed, mechanics, and also physical conditioning, players can strive to maximize their exit velocity and unlock their full potential.

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