As of the date this was compiled. it was the toughest survey to quantify. There were (are?) more theories and opinions on generating bat speed than on any baseball topic - with the possible exception of 'does a curveball really curve' (and let's not get into that here). What follows are summaries of the top three factors (of 6 to 10 per list) - as chosen by WebBall voters (average team age 14.1) - plus some selected short comments, not all of which WebBall agrees with.

• The most important bat-speed factors:
  • Hip rotation 61%
  • Wrist action 25%
  • Stride length 18%
• Biggest faults of weak or slow hitters:
  • Poor balance 46%
  • No hip rotation 32%
  • Stride too long 29%
• Where is it best to work on bat speed:
  • Soft toss / screen drills 54%
  • Off the T 50%
  • Batting cage (machine) 25%

Because these surveys are from several years ago, we have not included email addresses.

Bat speed is the same as good arm speed for a pitcher. Strong muscles (not big bulky muscles, but elongated muscles) and proper mechanics promote good bat and arm speed.
    - SammerNet (no e-mail)

Work ethics are one of the main reasons for slow bat speed. More repetitions with the bat are essential. When a player only gets to swing 10-20 times at practice, it¹s hard to develop the right muscles.
    - unnamed

I've seen a lot of kids tilt their head too much resulting in no use of their hips and a weak, slower swing. When they do connect (which is rare) they ground out.
    - Floyd Wood Jr.

Track ball from pitcher's shoulder to your bat's contact or catchers glove. Keep hands back on the trigger. Short step, head still, quick hands. Power from hips. Twist on balls of feet, point belt buckle at pitcher. Swing through with both hands.
    - Rick Bosworth

Great bat speed is a product of good balance and proper hip rotation. The bat takes the shortest route to the ball in a downward (bat head above hands) motion. Bottom hand palm down, top hand palm up. Hands and arms inside strike zone (short swing).
    - unsigned

The position and what the hitter does with his rear foot had more to do with bat speed than upper body strength. Biggest fault of weak hitters is to lunge at the ball. I like soft toss and short toss to improve bat speed, also weighted bats.
    - Ron Sewell

Most important is bat weight; too often too heavy a bat is used. Also, long slow swings cause poor bat speed (vs keeping hands back & exploding as ball nears zone).
    - Johnny Richards