Gap Power
The ability to drive the ball into the gaps between outfielders, producing extra-base hits, doubles and triples, rather than home runs.
Example Usage
“She has tremendous gap power, led the league in doubles last season.”
Gap Power
Gap power refers to a hitter's ability to consistently drive the ball into the alleys between outfielders. These gap shots typically result in doubles and triples, making the hitter a valuable run producer even without elite home run numbers.
The Gaps
Left-Center Gap
- Between left fielder and center fielder
- Pull side gap for right-handed hitters
- Balls here often run toward the wall
Right-Center Gap
- Between center fielder and right fielder
- Pull side gap for left-handed hitters
- Opposite field gap for righties
Gap Power Characteristics
Physical Traits
- Line drive swing path
- Contact-oriented approach
- Good bat speed (not elite power)
- Uses whole field
Results
- High doubles totals
- Good slugging percentage
- Fewer strikeouts than power hitters
- Consistent extra-base production
Developing Gap Power
Swing Mechanics
- Level to slightly upward swing
- Drive through the ball
- Stay inside the ball
- Extension through contact
Approach
- Use the middle of the field
- Attack pitches you can drive
- Stay short to the ball
- Wait on off-speed pitches
Gap Power vs. Home Run Power
| Gap Power | HR Power |
|---|---|
| Line drives | Fly balls |
| More doubles/triples | More home runs |
| Less swing-and-miss | More strikeouts |
| Consistent contact | Boom or bust |
| Uses all fields | Often pull-heavy |
Related Terms
Line Drive
A hard-hit ball that travels on a relatively straight, low trajectory, the most productive and desirable type of batted ball.
Opposite Field
Hitting the ball to the opposite side of the field from where you bat, right field for right-handed hitters, left field for left-handed hitters.
Slugging Percentage
A measure of a batter's power, calculated as total bases divided by at-bats, weighing extra-base hits more heavily than singles.
Barrel
The thick, hitting portion of the bat, or the act of making solid contact that produces optimal exit velocity and launch angle for hits.
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