Baseball Bat Swing Speed – Follow Through

Developing Bat Speed and Power in the
Baseball Swing 

 THE BASEBALL SWING:  Part 4 of 4 – The Follow Through

Part 1 – The Stance
Part 2 – The Loading Phase
Part 3 – The Launch Phase
Part 4 – The Follow Through

After the ball has left the bat, the forearms will extend completely as seen in Figure 1-14a.  This is a function of the elbow extensors.  The wrists will then do a true rollover after ball contact, which means the right forearm pronates, forcing the palm side down and the left forearm supinates, forcing the palm side up.

Figure 1-14a. Figure 1-14b. Figure 1-14c. Figure 1-14d

The rest of the swing finishes naturally with the hips opening completely toward the pitcher. Notice the stiff front leg has driven the left hip back in Figure 1-14a-d.  This is a sign that a very compact and powerful swing, giving maximum power and contact through the ball, has been achieved.

This completes the identification of all the phases in the baseball swing and the most pertinent muscles involved in each.  Now it’s time to begin properly training all of these specific muscles including those involved in the throwing motion and running process.

Always glad to help!

Dr. Larry Van Such

Part 1 – The Stance
Part 2 – The Loading Phase
Part 3 – The Launch Phase
Part 4 – The Follow Through

Dr. Larry Van Such

About the Author of this post: Dr. VanSuch is a chiropractor and former electrical engineer.  He developed the speed training method that uses resistance bands with an isometric training strategy to help athletes run faster starting way back in 1996. He has been teaching this technique to athletes, coaches and parents for the last 25+ years and has quite an extensive list of testimonials found throughout this website. Dr. VanSuch’s speed training programs are for running, kicking, jumping as well as swinging a golf club, baseball bat or tennis racket. He also has written an MMA speed program. Athletes of all fitness levels have used his training method with great success. He looks forward to hearing from all those who come across his work and are wanting to learn more.  Feel free to contact him at support@athleticquickness.com