What Is Launch Angle?

Launch Angle is the vertical angle at which the baseball leaves the bat immediately after contact. It is measured in degrees and indicates whether the ball is hit as a ground ball, line drive, or fly ball. TrackMan calculates launch angle by tracking the ball’s initial trajectory right after it leaves the bat. This measurement provides immediate feedback on the hitter’s contact profile.  

Launch Angle Ranges

Different launch angle ranges typically result in different types of batted balls: Below 10° – Ground balls 10° to 25° – Line drives 25° to 50° – Fly balls Above 50° – Pop-ups For most hitters, line drives and well-hit fly balls produce the best offensive outcomes.  

Why Launch Angle Matters for Coaches

Launch angle is important because it helps coaches understand how the ball is being hit, not just whether the player gets a hit or an out. For player development, launch angle can help coaches: Evaluate a hitter’s contact profile Identify swing path issues Improve the consistency of quality contact Track improvements during training sessions A hitter who consistently produces productive launch angles often generates better offensive results over time.