bat speed and power

Question
hi. i am a sixteen year old baseball player looking to find a little more power in my swing. over the recent weeks i have seen my contact getting dramatically better but am more of a line drive hitter. how can i learn to develop more of a power swing and still have the ability to hit line drives and go up the middle efficiently?

Answer
John,
Sorry for the late reply.

    Power is the product of strength and speed.  Strength is the product of physical strength (slow twitch muscles) and flexibility.  Speed in the product of flexibility and fast twitch muscle speed.
   You need to start (if he not already) a weight training program that can be adjusted for in season and off season.  When weight training he should focus on the entire body and not just the hitting muscles.  This weight training program should be done in conjunction with a flexibility program.  Flexibility is very important.  If the muscles get stronger but loose flexibility speed will suffer resulting in reduced power.  
   A running program can also be implemented.  Doing sprint training and agility training like the ladder drills. Again making flexibility a priority with this program as well.
   Most importantly is proper fundamentals.  You can have great speed and strength but with out form the power will never come.  Make sure that he is using rotational hitting mechanics.  Rotational mechanics will generate more power and speed than any other hitting style.  
   A good training bat is the Bratts Bat.  These bats come in sizes from 35 ounces to 100 ounces.  Most high school players go for a 65 oz. bat.  This bat will help with strength.  If you can get another bat that is lighter than the game bat.  This bat could be a little league bat.  The lighter bat is a speed bat.  The light bat helps because it trains your body how to move faster with coordination.  Together the heavy bat (overload) and light bat (under load) will help build strength and speed.  Together with proper rotational form you will have more power.  
    Overall it sounds as if you have a good swing so the strength and added speed will help, but don't worry to much about power.  If you make consistent good contact, hit line drives, and can control the baseball to hit all fields the power will come with no problem.

Thank you,
John Priest