powerhitting

Power hitting is a style of batting in baseball and softball that emphasizes producing extra-base hits, especially home runs, through high bat speed and aggressive swing mechanics. It seeks to maximize distance and impact rather than prioritize contact rate alone.

Power hitters typically rely on strong lower-body rotation, quick hands, and efficient energy transfer from the legs through the hips to the bat. They aim for high exit velocity and favorable launch angles to drive the ball over the infield and beyond the outfielders.

Key metrics used to evaluate power hitting include slugging percentage, isolated power (ISO), exit velocity, and home runs per at-bat, along with overall on-base plus slugging (OPS). These measures help quantify a player's ability to produce power while contributing to run production.

Training for power typically combines strength and conditioning with swing-specific drills. Athletes work on lower-body strength, core stability, and plyometrics, as well as bat-speed work, weighted bat drills, and video analysis to refine mechanics and timing.

Strategically, power hitters may draw more attention for run production, but their aggressive approach can lead to higher strikeout rates and lower contact. Teams balance power with contact ability, plate discipline, and situational hitting to optimize lineups.

Origin and use: while the concept has existed for many decades, the modern emphasis on power hitting rose in the late 20th century and remains a common descriptor for players who post high slugging totals.