Swing Smarter Hitting Training Podcast | ⭐Hitting Performance Lab‪⭐‬ Joey Myers

Episode Overview
In this insightful episode, baseball experts Joey Myers and Perry Husband explore the nuances of hitting and pitching strategies to improve player performance. From dissecting hitting techniques to understanding swing flaws and diving into pitching analytics, they cover a comprehensive range of topics. The duo emphasizes the importance of data analysis and encourages players to be mindful of their own capabilities instead of merely mimicking professionals. Listeners will also get actionable advice and resources to elevate their game.

Key Takeaways


Hitting Techniques: The importance of a locked-out lead arm, wrist stretch, and maximizing swing leverage for optimal hitting.



Trade-offs in Hitting: Balancing between hitting homers on low and away pitches and mastering the top of the strike zone.



Swing Flaws: Understanding and identifying swing flaws that can affect a player’s ability to make solid contact with the ball.



Copying Pros: The risks of emulating swings of professional players who have different physical capabilities.



Pitching Strategies: The significance of speed differential between pitches and keeping track of pitch counts for effective pitching.



Ground Ball Focus: The necessity for pitchers to induce ground balls to minimize the number of pitches thrown.



Timing and Angles: How timing tendencies and angles at which hitters hit pitches are often overlooked in scouting reports.



Data Analysis: The critical role of data and real-world testing in refining both hitting and pitching strategies.



Resource Sharing: Perry Husband’s books and website are mentioned as resources for further learning and improvement.



Mutual Respect: Both experts express admiration for each other's work and contributions to the field.



Resource Links

Blog Post on Hitting Performance Lab
YouTube Video
Perry's website Effective Velocity

Unlock your hitting potential with data-backed techniques! Debunk myths about the best adjustable baseball power swing drills for youth to high school. Dive into at-home hitting mechanics supported by science.

Here's a little bit of what is discussed in Part-3 between Perry Husband and Joey Myers:


The discussion in the video focuses on baseball hitting mechanics and strategies, specifically critiquing traditional emphasis on exit velocity. Joey Myers and Perry Husband are in their third part of discussing these topics.
Perry Husband shares extensive data and examples to argue that the common practice of teaching hitters to extend their arms for outside fastballs while pulling their hands in for inside fastballs may not be effective. He cites league averages and Mike Trout's specific stats to emphasize his point.
The talk delves into what Husband calls "Effective Velocity," which considers not just the speed of the pitch but its location, trajectory, and the hitter's reaction time. According to his research, hard-hit balls usually occur against the toughest pitch combinations, like fastballs up and in.
Both Myers and Husband lament that mainstream baseball, including the Major Leagues, often misses the nuances in hitting mechanics. Husband even proposes a hypothetical Discord discussion with pitching experts to compare philosophies.
The discussion is framed around the broader idea of what constitutes a "successful hitting mechanic." Husband argues for a method that allows hitters to be less than perfect but still successful, while Myers questions the prevailing philosophies, opening up a dialogue on what metrics and strategies should really be used for teaching and evaluating hitters.

Other Resources

Blog Post
YouTube Video

Joey Myers from hittingperformancelab.com and effectivevelocity.com hosts a part two discussion with Perry Husband, touching on critical perspectives about baseball hitting mechanics and methods.
There's controversy around the value of increasing exit velocity as a primary focus for hitters, with some in the baseball community mocking this approach.
Effective velocity research indicates a challenge in the education and understanding of proper hitting techniques, with many instructors leaning towards trendy drills rather than scientifically-based methods.
Perry delves into the details of the swing, emphasizing the importance of hitting a baseball correctly, which does not always align with popular teachings.They hint at a possible part three discussion, with Perry expressing his plans to share more on platforms like YouTube and Twitter.

Here are the links to:


Blog Post, and
YouTube video.

Why instruction to increase exit velocity?  Learn baseball and fastpitch or slowpitch softball bat speed tips to improve hitting power that are supported by data and science.  The following video is a conversation I had with Perry Husband of EffectiveVelocity.com.

The Importance of Exit Velocity in Baseball
In the world of baseball and softball, one term that has gained significant attention is 'Exit Velocity.' Exit Velocity refers to the speed of the ball as it comes off the bat, and it has emerged as a critical metric for evaluating a player's hitting ability.

The Emergence of Exit Velocity
The concept of Exit Velocity was first introduced, by Perry Husband, in a video with J. Bell. The idea was to come up with an efficient and effective teaching method for young players that would maximize their output on the field. Thus, Exit Velocity was born.

The Impact of Exit Velocity
The average Exit Velocity in Major League Baseball hovers around 75-80% of a player's maximum.

Teaching based on Exit Velocity can lead to immediate improvements in a player's performance. It's not uncommon for players to see their ball exit speeds increase significantly after just a few sessions. This not only boosts their performance on the field but also their self-confidence.

The Controversy around Exit Velocity
Despite its effectiveness, not everyone is on board with the concept of Exit Velocity. Many players and coaches have pre-existing belief systems about hitting based on traditional methods or advice passed down from previous generations.

However, it's important to note that the proof is in the pudding. One of the best examples is Carlos Pena, who transformed from being a slugger to a hitter and led the Major Leagues in exit velocity the first year it was recognized as a crucial metric, working with Perry.

The Future of Exit Velocity
With the advent of technology and data analysis in baseball, Exit Velocity is likely to play an even more significant role in the future. A player's ability to produce high Exit Velocities consistently is seen as a marker of their potential to play at higher levels. For instance, a high school player aiming to play in college should be able to achieve an Exit Velocity of at least 80 mph off the tee.

As baseball continues to evolve, so too will the importance of metrics like Exit Velocity. As we move forward, it's essential to keep an open mind and remain willing to test and adopt new strategies and techniques to improve player performance.

Links:
Blog Post, and

YouTube Video.

In this interview, we discuss the following:


Many things that differentiate you from others and it's MAT, explain MAT a little bit...
Talk a little bit about some of the things you're seeing out there the pitchers that are coming to you...
“I've got one research paper with 3D mathematical models showing you need over 2000 pounds of force, as compression shearing to get even a 1% change in length. And a 1% change in length for, ligaments that's called a grade one strain or sprain.”
Is all stretching bad or is there a time and a place for it?
What’s your view on weighted ball throwing programs?
What’s your view on the force plate metrics some experts are relying on?
The Kinetic Arm reduces stress on elbow-shoulder and guides arm into the right positions, is that a fair assessment?
And pitchers are using the Kinetic Arm to rehab Tommy John surgery?
Is the Kinetic Arm available in youth sizes yet?
Where can people find you, Jason?

In this interview with Physical Therapist Dr. Jocelyn Vartanian in Fresno, CA, we discuss:


You've had a huge influx of new clients, athletes... what are you seeing coming in right now?
What do you see different in softball, girls coming in with injuries versus the guys? Or is there any difference?
What's your advice on the ankle side of things?
What top two things would you suggest they do to help with those ankles?
On low back stuff, what kind of advice would you give the ladies?
What's your advice on shoulder? You mentioned that the boys are the elbow really elbow heavy shoulder...
“And your shoulder blade strength starts to pick up, your shoulders start to feel better. You add like 2, 3, 4 miles an hour on your velo like that, but I didn't throw harder”
Let people know where they can find you...