Tracking Your Progress: Using Data to Improve Results
Harness exit velocity, spin rate, release metrics, and more to turn raw numbers into on-field gains.
Collecting performance data is only half the battle. The real magic happens when you translate those metrics into targeted drills, technical tweaks, and training habits that move the needle. Here’s how to log key stats, organize insights, and design actionable plans using technology and simple spreadsheets.
Key Metrics to Track
| Metric | What It Measures | Tech Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Exit Velocity | Speed of ball off the bat (mph) | Blast Motion, Rapsodo Batting |
| Launch Angle | Vertical angle of the batted ball (degrees) | TrackMan, Rapsodo |
| 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 hand/ball at release (mph) | Rapsodo, Diamond Kinetics |
Choose one sensor system and stick with it—cross-device variance can muddy long-term trends.
1. Setting Up Your Data Log
- Create a Spreadsheet
- Columns: Date, Session Type (BP, bullpen), and each metric.
- Add a “Notes” column for subjective factors (weather, pre-session soreness).
- Record Immediately
- Enter data right after each session to capture accurate context and impressions.
- Sync sensor data exports directly into your log when possible.
- Automate Weekly Summaries
- Use simple formulas to calculate weekly averages and percentage changes.
- Apply color-coding: green for improvements, yellow for flat, red for drops.
2. Monthly Benchmark Sessions
Every 4–6 weeks, schedule a dedicated test session to reset your baseline:
- Batting Practice:
• 10 max-effort tee swings for exit velocity and launch angle
• 30 live BP swings for average metrics - Bullpen Session:
• 20 full-effort fastballs for spin rate and release extension
• 10 curveballs/sliders to assess breaking-ball spin consistency
Log these benchmarks in a separate sheet to compare four-month cycles and validate program efficacy.
3. Turning Numbers into Training Tweaks
- Exit Velocity Plateaus
• Drill Progression: Overload/underload bat swings and medicine-ball rotational throws
• Goal: +1–2 mph per cycle - Low Spin Rate on Breakers
• Focus: Pronation drills and wrist-strength band routines
• Retest: Aim for a 50–100 rpm increase after two weeks - Short Release Extension
• Intervention: Throwing wall-stride drills and long-toss to promote full extension
• Target: Add 2–4 inches for a 1–2 mph uptick - Flat Launch Angles
• Solution: Launch-angle tee work and track angle distributions in live BP
• Sweet spot: 20°–30° for optimal carry/backspin
4. Visual Feedback & Video Comparisons
Recording your sessions unlocks micro-adjustments that data alone can’t reveal.
- Side-by-Side Clips: Compare your best and most recent swings/pitches frame by frame.
- Annotated Notes: Overlay arrows and timing marks in apps like Coach’s Eye or Hudl.
- Mirror Drills: Practice adjusted mechanics in front of a mirror to ingrain visual cues.
5. Integrating Regular Reviews
| Review Type | Frequency | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Check-In | Weekly | Scan averages; note any >5% drops |
| Benchmark Analysis | Monthly | Compare baseline tests; adjust next cycle |
| Goal Setting | Quarterly | Set specific numeric targets (e.g., +4 mph EV) |
Block out time each Sunday evening for your weekly check-in and the first day of each month for benchmark analysis.
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 directly into your personalized log.
Elevate your progress-tracking with tailored data analysis, expert swing/pitch breakdowns, and customized 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 logging smarter at
https://nextswingbaseball.com/virtual-training