Expert: John Priest - 7/3/2010

Question
Hello my name is Colby and I was wondering if you could give some drills that will help my bat speed and power while hitting.also is there a quick way to adjust to different speeds of pitching.

Answer
Colby,
 (My answer below is assuming you are at least in high school)
Power is the product of strength and speed.  Strength is the product of physical strength (slow twitch muscles) and flexibility.  Speed in the product of flexibility and fast twitch muscle speed.
 You need to start (if he not already) a weight training program that can be adjusted for in season and off season.  When weight training he should focus on the entire body and not just the hitting muscles.  This weight training program should be done in conjunction with a flexibility program.  Flexibility is very important.  If the muscles get stronger but loose flexibility speed will suffer resulting in reduced power.  
 A running program can also be implemented.  Doing sprint training and agility training like the ladder drills. Again making flexibility a priority with this program as well.
 Most importantly is proper fundamentals.  You can have great speed and strength but with out form the power will never come.  Make sure that he is using rotational hitting mechanics.  Rotational mechanics will generate more power and speed than any other hitting style.  
 A good training bat is the Bratts Bat.  These bats come in sizes from 35 ounces to 100 ounces.  Most high school players go for a 65 oz. bat.  This bat will help with strength.  If you can get another bat that is lighter than the game bat.  This bat could be a little league bat.  The lighter bat is a speed bat.  The light bat helps because it trains your body how to move faster with coordination.  Together the heavy bat (overload) and light bat (under load) will help build strength and speed.  Together with proper rotational form you will have more power.  
  Overall make sure your mechanics are perfect.  Any flaw in the rotation and swing will not promote speed and remember to allow your rotation to create the swing and bat speed, and don't try to produce it with your arms.  This will make your swing slower with less flexibility.
  To answer your last question.  There is no quick way to adjust to different types of pitches.  You should always think fastball and adjust.  Always be ready for the fastball and remember to let the baseball come to you.

Let me know if I can help further.
Thank You,
John Priest