Boost Your Bat Speed with AIRWAAV

In baseball and softball, bat swing velocity (BSV) can be a key determinant of hitting success. A faster swing can lead to more powerful hits and push your offense to the next level. Recent research explains how simple techniques like jaw clenching, particularly when combined with the AIRWAAV Performance Mouthpiece, can enhance BSV. Let's explore this fascinating study and how players can incorporate these findings into their routines for maximum benefit.

The Study: Jaw Clenching and Bat Swing Velocity

Researchers aimed to understand the impact of jaw clenching, with and without a performance mouthpiece, on the bat swing velocity of collegiate baseball and softball athletes. The study involved 14 participants: eight softball players and six baseball players.

Methodology:

1. Equipment and Familiarization: Athletes were provided with AIRWAAV™ performance mouthpieces and underwent a one-week familiarization period, wearing the mouthpieces during all sport and conditioning activities.
2. Testing Conditions: Participants completed their regular warm-up routines before performing five maximal effort swings at a ball on a tee. This was done under four different conditions:
   • Mouthpiece + Clench (mouthpiece and jaw clenching)
   • Mouthpiece Only (mouthpiece without clenching)
   • Clench Only (jaw clenching without mouthpiece)
   • Control (no mouthpiece, jaw relaxed)
3. Measurement: BSV was recorded using a Zepp Sensor, with recalibration between each condition and athlete to ensure accuracy.

Results:

The study found that combining jaw clenching with the use of an AIRWAAV™ Performance Mouthpiece positively influenced bat swing velocity (BSV) among collegiate baseball and softball athletes. Specifically:

• BSV Improvement: The average BSV during the jaw clenching with mouthpiece condition was 71.9 mph, compared to 70.89 mph when jaw clenching alone and 68.27 mph with a relaxed jaw.
• Effectiveness: 13 out of 14 participants showed increased BSV when clenching on the AIRWAAV™ mouthpiece.

Conclusions

The study concludes that hitting while clenching on AIRWAAV is an effective strategy to enhance bat swing velocity. Incorporating the AIRWAAV Performance Mouthpiece can offer an offensive advantage. 

How to Incorporate AIRWAAV into Your Hitting Routine

Given the study's findings, here are practical steps for players to integrate jaw clenching and the AIRWAAV™ mouthpiece into their training and game routines:

1. Purchase and Mold Your AIRWAAV Mouthpiece: Choose from one of the few colors and fits offered, then mold the mouthpiece to your bottom teeth.
2. Familiarization Period: Wear the mouthpiece during practice sessions and conditioning drills for at least a week before using it in games. This helps your body adapt and ensures comfort.
3. Practice Jaw Clenching: During practice swings, consciously clench your jaw to get used to the sensation and its effects on your swing.
4. Monitor Performance: Pay attention to your swing velocity and hitting performance with and without the mouthpiece. In addition to increased velocity, you may experience more relaxation, increased endurance, and faster recovery.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating AIRWAAV into your hitting routine can be a game-changer and by understanding and applying these findings, you can potentially increase your bat swing velocity and improve your overall performance on the field. Give it a try, and you might find yourself hitting harder and more consistently than ever before.

To learn more information, visit our research page or find the study here.

Acknowledgements: This study was supported by AIRWAAV™, which provided the performance mouthpieces, and the Florida Southern College baseball and softball programs for access to their facilities.