How Closing the Shoulder & Creating Tension Unlocked +10 MPH Exit Velocity

exitvelocity hitting lesson Oct 18, 2025

How Closing the Shoulder and Creating Tension Unlocked +10 MPH 💥

If you're looking to add serious power to your swing, let me show you what helped one of my hitters go from 62 to 73 MPH in a single session.

It starts with something small — but powerful: shoulder positioning.

Watch this video to see it in action:

 
 
 
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Christopher Murphy (@icoachbaseball)

 

Why Closing the Shoulder Matters

Too many hitters “fly open” with their front shoulder. When this happens, the upper body pulls off early, and your hands get dragged around instead of being launched through the zone.

We flipped the script by focusing on keeping the front shoulder closed — and instantly felt the difference.

👉 Closed shoulders = more tension = more whip

That whip effect is what transfers power into the barrel at contact. Instead of your energy leaking sideways, it now stays behind the swing and fires straight through the ball.

Feel the Stretch Before the Swing

One of the keys we talked about was getting into a better rhythm — not rushing.

I had the hitter feel a slight “stretch” as he loaded. That internal stretch (between the hips and the upper body) created tension. From there, we just focused on pacing:

“One... Two... SWING!”

The more his body got synced up — the more efficient the movement became. Power stopped leaking out the sides and started going where we wanted it: straight into the ball.

The Result? 🔥

His first exit velocity that day was 62 MPH — and by the end of the session?

73 MPH.

Same bat. Same field. Just better movement.

And I believe there’s even more in the tank.

Get a SWING REPORT from Coach Murph ☑️

Basically any adjustments that your swing needs, I’ll:

  • Make sure YOU UNDERSTAND why it’s wrong
  • Make sure YOU KNOW WHAT’S RIGHT
  • Tell you exactly how to FIX IT

I review swings of pros, college players, and little leaguers. It’ll be the most easy-to-understand and detailed coaching you’ve ever had.

Click here to Get a SWING REPORT

FAQs ❓

Q: Does closing my front shoulder mean I should stay closed the entire swing?
No — it means your shoulders should start closed and rotate through the swing. The goal is to delay the shoulder’s opening just long enough to create stretch and direction.

Q: Can this really increase exit velocity?
Yes. When you stop losing power early and start transferring energy into the barrel, the results show up immediately on the radar gun.

Q: I coach a team. Can I use this drill kit with them?
Absolutely — it's designed for youth and high school players and easy to implement in practices or at home.

 

CHOOSE THE BEST WAY I CAN HELP YOU 🫵🏽

4-Week iCoachHitting Program. 

📈 GUARANTEED RESULTS, NOW. I have too much proof from all ages for you not to join.

GET RESULTS NOW

Order Swing Report

Personalized swing breakdown direct from Coach Murph. For less than a sliding mitt...

ORDER NOW

Learn the MURPHamentals

Library of all my lessons, simple drills, mental coaching and more. Over 50 guided coaching videos. Worth MONTHS of private lessons.

ACCESS NOW

DISCOUNTS ON STUFF YOU MIGHT GET ANYWAYS

15% OFF WARSTIC

Code: ICOACH15

#1 is that they prioritize quality. Bonesaber one of the best. They have real pride in artwork and craftsmanship, too. Check out what I mean.

WARSTIC.COM

10% OFF BASEBALL SAVINGS

Code: MURPH

I was your sons age and finding the best deal to present to my dad for a gift. They have all the top gear.

BASEBALLSAVINGS.COM

10% OFF BRUCE BOLT

Code: MURPH

One of the most popular brands in baseball. For good reasons: high quality, creative & cool, worn by the best.

BASEBALLSAVINGS.COM