Tracking Your Progress: Using Data to Improve Results
Harness hard numbers—exit velocity, spin rate, release metrics—to turn raw data into on-field gains.
Collecting performance data is only half the battle. The real magic happens when you translate those metrics into targeted drills, tweaks, and habits that move the needle. Below, learn how to log key stats, organize insights, and design actionable training plans that propel your game forward.
Why Tracking Metrics Wins Games
Numbers remove guesswork. Exit velocity tells you how hard you’re driving the ball, spin rate reveals pitch deception, and release extension uncovers mechanical efficiency. By measuring these elements regularly, you can:
- Identify weaknesses (e.g., weak “launch window” or low spin on breaking balls)
- Validate training progress versus practice fatigue or injury risk
- Demonstrate objective improvements to coaches and recruiters
According to Baseball Savant, hitters with an average exit velocity above 90 mph earn more extra-base hits, while pitchers averaging spin rates over 2,300 rpm on their breaking balls see higher strikeout rates.
Key Metrics to Log
| Metric | What It Measures | Tech Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Exit Velocity | Speed of ball off the bat (mph) | Blast Motion, Rapsodo Batting |
| Launch Angle | Vertical angle of batted ball (degrees) | Rapsodo, TrackMan |
| Spin Rate | Revolutions per minute on pitches (rpm) | Rapsodo Pitch, TrackMan |
| Release Extension | Distance from rubber to release point (ft) | TrackMan, PitchAI |
| Arm Speed | Velocity of your hand/ball at release (mph) | Rapsodo, Diamond Kinetics |
Choose one launch monitor or sensor system and stick with it—cross-device variance can muddy trends.
Setting Up Your Data Log
- Spreadsheet Foundation
- Create columns for Date, Session Type (e.g., batting practice, bullpen), and each metric.
- Add a “Notes” column for subjective observations (fatigue, weather, equipment changes).
- Weekly Summaries
- Use simple formulas to calculate weekly averages and percentage change from the prior week.
- Color-code improvements in green and drops in red for quick visual scans.
- Monthly Benchmark Tests
- Schedule a raw-data session once per month:
• 10 max-effort swings off a tee for exit velocity and launch angle
• 20 full-effort bullpen pitches for spin rate and release extension - Compare benchmarks over three-month cycles to assess training efficacy.
- Schedule a raw-data session once per month:
Sample Data Table
| Date | Session | Exit Vel. | Launch Angle | Spin Rate | Release Ext. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-01 | BP | 88 mph | 24° | — | — | Felt tight pecs, lower velo |
| 2025-07-08 | BP | 91 mph | 22° | — | — | New tee drill helped timing |
| 2025-07-10 | Bullpen | — | — | 2,200 rpm | 5.5 ft | Working on arm-side closed |
| 2025-07-17 | Bullpen | — | — | 2,350 rpm | 5.8 ft | Added shoulder activation |
Turning Numbers into Training Tweaks
- Boosting Exit Velocity
- If velocity stalls below 90 mph, add overload/underload bat swings and med-ball rotational throws.
- Re-test in two weeks and watch for 1–2 mph gains.
- Optimizing Spin Rate
- Low spin on breaking balls? Focus on pronation drills and wrist-strength band work.
- Track next bullpen session—aim for a 50–100 rpm uptick.
- Improving Release Extension
- Short release points often mean energy isn’t fully transferred. Cue long-toss drills and wall-stride drills for pitchers.
- Log extension each session; a 2–4″ increase in release point can equate to 1–2 mph on fastballs.
- Fine-Tuning Launch Angle
- If batted balls aren’t getting airborne, integrate launch-angle specific tee work and track angle distributions.
- Aim for a 20°–30° sweet-spot: too low yields grounders, too high produces pop-ups.
Integrating Regular Reviews
- Weekly Check-In: Scan your spreadsheet every Sunday evening. Note any metrics dipping over 5%—that signals either fatigue or a need for technical adjustment.
- Monthly Deep Dive: Review benchmark sessions side by side. Are your training tweaks paying off? Adjust your next 4-week plan accordingly.
- Quarterly Goal-Setting: Based on three-month trends, set specific targets—e.g., “Increase average exit velocity by 4 mph” or “Raise slider spin rate by 150 rpm.”
Tools & Resources
- Blast Motion Bat Sensor: https://blastmotion.com
- Rapsodo Pitching & Batting: https://rapsodo.com
- TrackMan Baseball: https://trackman.com/baseball
- Baseball Savant Analytics: https://baseballsavant.mlb.com
Use these platforms to capture, store, and visualize your trends, then export data to your personalized log.
Elevate your progress-tracking with bespoke data analysis, swing/pitch breakdowns, and personalized training adjustments through Next Swing Baseball’s virtual training analysis programs. Partner with our coaches to turn every metric into meaningful gains—and make your data work as hard as you do.
Start today at
https://nextswingbaseball.com/virtual-training