Looking to increase your bat speed? It’s all about two things: timing and hip rotation.

Timing can be improved with batting practice. However, focusing on hip strengthening exercises is what will really enable you to put runs on the board. You don’t need expensive equipment. The following exercise will replicate the motions facilitated by hip trainers and swing weights, plus it will promote needed muscle strength.

Wood Chopper

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Created by the 30-Day Abs Challenge, this exercise builds the muscles that drive a quicker, more powerful swing.

Thanks to Dr. Larry Van Such for these exercises to increase external hip rotational strength. Players often focus on building the wrong muscles, neglecting their form. Find the form best suitable for your body type, then focus on building your hips, trunk, back and forearms for a powerful quick swing.