Line Drive
A hard-hit ball that travels on a relatively straight, low trajectory, the most productive and desirable type of batted ball.
Example Usage
“She roped a line drive into the gap for a stand-up double.”
Line Drive
A line drive is a batted ball hit hard on a relatively straight, low trajectory. Line drives have the highest batting average of any batted ball type and are considered the gold standard for quality contact.
Why Line Drives Are Best
Highest Batting Average
- Line drives result in hits roughly 70% of the time
- Ground balls: ~25% hit rate
- Fly balls: ~35% hit rate
Best of Both Worlds
- Hit hard enough to get through the infield
- Low enough to avoid easy catches
- Often result in extra-base hits
How to Hit Line Drives
Proper Bat Path
- Match the plane of the pitch
- Slight upward path through the zone
- Stay through the ball at contact
Quality Contact
- Hit the middle of the ball
- Solid contact with the barrel's sweet spot
- Extension through the hitting zone
Good Timing
- Not too early (top of ball = ground ball)
- Not too late (bottom of ball = pop-up)
Line Drive vs. Other Batted Balls
| Type | Launch Angle | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Ground ball | < 10° | Low BA, double plays |
| Line drive | 10-25° | Highest BA, extra bases |
| Fly ball | 25-50° | Home runs or outs |
| Pop-up | > 50° | Almost always outs |
Coaching Cue
"Hit the ball where it's pitched, and drive through it for line drives."
Related Terms
Bat Path
The trajectory the bat takes through the hitting zone, ideally matching the plane of the incoming pitch for maximum contact efficiency.
Launch Angle
The vertical angle at which the ball leaves the bat after contact, measured in degrees, a key metric in modern hitting analysis.
Exit Velocity
The speed of the ball immediately after leaving the bat, measured in miles per hour, a key indicator of how hard a ball was hit.
Ready to Create Your Perfect Lineup?
Now that you know what “Line Drive” means, put your knowledge to work with our free lineup generator.
Try Free Lineup Generator