The introduction of the Torpedo Bat in Major League Baseball has generated significant interest among players and coaches seeking to optimize bat speed, swing efficiency, and power. Designed with a unique barrel shape and weight distribution, the Torpedo Bat helps hitters improve their bat path, create more consistent contact, and maximize exit velocity. 

A similar concept in baseball is the VELO Puck, which shares key characteristics with the Torpedo Bat in terms of optimizing swing mechanics through targeted weight distribution, allowing the bat to feel lighter in the player's hand to increase bat speed and exit velocity, and improving the player's bat path for increased contact rates. Both tools emphasize improving bat control and efficiency, but the VELO Puck offers additional benefits:

Key Similarities

Optimized Weighting: Both the Torpedo Bat and VELO Puck utilize strategic weight placement to enhance a player’s feel for the barrel and reduce the MOI of the bat by shifting the balance point more toward the player's hands.

Swing Efficiency: Both the Torpedo Bat and VELO Puck promote a smoother, more connected swing, helping hitters improve their bat path and increase their contact rate.

Hit for More Power: Both the Torpedo Bat and VELO Puck improve bat speed, which in turn will increase exit velocity and allow players to hit the ball a lot further. 

Added Benefits of the VELO Puck

Versatility: The Velo Puck can be attached to any bat, allowing players to experience its benefits with their own game bat instead of having to adjust to an entirely new one like the Torpedo Bat.

Cost-Effective & Portable: Unlike the Torpedo Bat, which requires purchasing an entirely new bat model, the VELO Puck is an affordable and easy addition bat attachment to the game bats they already swing.

Ideal for Players at All Levels: From youth players to professionals, the VELO Puck can be used to fit each hitter's specific needs, whether that's helping youth players with the transition of moving up a bat size or helping players at the highest level gain a competitive edge.

Approved for In-Game Use: While bat manufacturers scramble to add the Torpedo Bat to their line of products, leagues question the integrity of the bat to be allowed in games. The VELO Puck is approved for in-game use across most major leagues and organizations, and you can order yours today at Velosports.com!

While the Torpedo Bat and VELO Puck share many similarities and introduce an innovative approach to in-game bat design, the VELO Puck’s adaptability, customization, and practical application make it a highly valuable tool for hitters at all levels looking to fine-tune their swing path and unlock greater bat speed potential.

BONUS: You don’t have to buy a whole new bat to test whether changing the weight distribution of a bat can help your players.

The VELO Puck fits on most bats and is approved for in-game use by many leagues.

Elite Coach and Former MLB Player Matt Antonelli recently joined us for a great conversation about bat speed training for youth travel baseball players. 

The key takeaways from our conversation with Matt Antonelli included

Bat Speed is Critical for Advancement
Bat speed is one of the top factors that separates players who progress to college or professional levels. College coaches prioritize it, and improving bat speed not only enhances hitting power but also improves swing decision-making by allowing hitters to wait longer before committing to a swing.

Structured Bat Speed Training Yields Measurable Results
Antonelli’s program implemented 8-week bat speed clinics and integrated overspeed training into all team practices. Players who consistently followed the program saw an average 5–6% increase in bat speed, with many showing continued improvement across multiple training cycles.

Creating a Fun, Competitive Culture Drives Engagement
By using radar devices like the PRGR to track bat speed and encouraging in-house competition, players were highly motivated and engaged during bat speed training stations. The intensity and fun atmosphere contributed to better outcomes, as kids competed with each other and themselves to beat their personal bests.

Velo Products and Training Fit Seamlessly into Matt's Youth Programs
The VELO OverSpeed bats proved to be durable, easy to use, and effective even with hundreds of athletes. Their design allows seamless integration into practice stations, both indoors and outdoors, helping teams maximize reps and maintain high energy without needing extra coaches or space.