Quick Hands
Also known as: compact swing
Quick hands describe a short, direct path of the hands to the ball — the compact swing fast-pitch hitters need to catch up to high velocity in a tiny reaction window.
Because the reaction window is so short, any wasted hand movement (a long load, a loop, casting) leaves the hitter late. Quick hands take the barrel to the ball on the most direct route, trading some length for the ability to be on time and adjust to movement pitches. It is the swing trait that most distinguishes fast-pitch from the longer slow-pitch swing.
Example
Facing a riser at the letters, the hitter’s compact, direct hand path lets her get the barrel up and foul it off rather than swinging under it.
Related terms
- Reaction WindowThe reaction window is the fraction of a second a fast-pitch hitter has to read, decide, and swing. The short pitching distance makes it one of the tightest in all of sport.
- Bat SpeedBat speed is how fast the barrel is moving at contact, in mph. It contributes to exit velocity alongside bat path and where on the barrel you make contact.
- Rise BallA rise ball is a fast-pitch pitch thrown with backspin so it appears to climb as it nears the plate, tempting hitters to swing under it.
Related guides & benchmarks
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