Understanding Batting Average vs. OPS for Recruits
Scouts weigh a range of hitting metrics, but batting average (BA) and on-base plus slugging (OPS) sit atop the list. BA tells them how often you hit safely, while OPS combines on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG) to measure both plate discipline and power. Here’s how each metric works and how you can train to boost them.
Metric Definitions
- Batting Average (BA):
Hits Ă· Official At-Bats.
Measures pure contact success. - On-Base Percentage (OBP):
(Hits + Walks + Hit-By-Pitch) Ă· (At-Bats + Walks + Hit-By-Pitch + Sac Flies).
Reflects how often you reach base. - Slugging Percentage (SLG):
Total Bases Ă· At-Bats.
Gauges power production via extra-base hits. - OPS:
OBP + SLG.
Combines plate discipline and power into a single scout-friendly number.
Why Scouts Care
| Metric | Scout Insight | Ideal Range for Recruits |
|---|---|---|
| BA | Consistent contact; bat-to-ball skills | .300+ for high-level prospects |
| OBP | Pitch recognition; discipline | .370+ to show advanced strike zone control |
| SLG | Exit velocity; ability to drive the ball | .450+ indicates above-average power |
| OPS | All-around offensive profile | .800+ separates the standout recruits |
OPS lets coaches quickly gauge whether a player pairs contact with power and patience—critical skills at the next level.
Training to Improve Batting Average
- Contact Drills:
- Short-Toss Soft-Toss: 5Ă—20 swings focusing on consistent barrel acceleration.
- Two-Tee Drill: One tee at the front foot, one at the back; train hitting pitches in and out.
- Timing & Recognition:
- Random-Feed Machine Sessions: 3Ă—15 pitches at mixed speeds, track swing-and-miss reduction.
- Live BP with High-Angle Tosses: Work on adjusting to higher-plane velocity.
- Video Analysis:
- Record swings from side and rear; correct bat path drift and early rotation.
Training to Elevate OBP
- Walk-Tolerance Routines:
• Simulated At-Bats: 2 balls, 2 strikes counts—train patience to work walks. - Zone Tracking:
• Colored-Ball Drill: Only swing at “strike” colors, 3×20 reps. - Eye-Hand Coordination:
• Light-Weight Bat Soft-Toss: Increase focus on pitch location, 4×25 reps.
Training to Boost SLG
- Power-Specific Strength:
- Med-Ball Rotational Throws: 4Ă—8 each side.
- Overload/Underload Bat Swings: 3Ă—12 swings with heavier/lighter bat.
- Launch-Angle Focus:
- Top-Bottom Net Drill: Aim for upper-half of strike zone, 3Ă—15 swings.
- Elevation Tee Work: Tee set high, train a slightly upward path for carry.
- Exit Velocity Testing:
- Weekly Blast Motion or Rapsodo checks to track bat speed improvements.
Action Plan for Recruits
- Benchmark your BA, OBP, SLG, and calculate OPS.
- Identify your weakest component (contact, patience, power).
- Implement targeted drills 3Ă— weekly:
- Contact work (BA)
- Plate-discipline simulations (OBP)
- Power and exit-velocity sessions (SLG)
- Re-test metrics every 4 weeks; adjust drills based on progress.
- Video-review at least once per week to catch mechanical leaks.
Key Takeaways
- BA measures contact; OPS combines discipline and power for a fuller profile.
- Scouts look for .300+ BA and .800+ OPS in top recruits.
- Train BA with precision contact drills; OBP with patience-building routines; SLG with power-focused work.
- Use data from sensors and video to guide progress.
- A balanced approach elevates OPS more sustainably than chasing any single number.
Ready to level up your hitting metrics and stand out to college recruiters?
Learn more → https://nextswingbaseball.com/virtual-training