The problem with rec league is that you don't get a lot of good pitchers throwing good pitches. Hitters tend to get restless and chase bad pitches. A good drill is to set up a net halfway between the mound and home plate and toss it to them. This promotes speed and their reaction will have to be...
The rope bat is not a full-length swinging bat. Understand the contact part is the sweet spot and can help tremendously with casting and staying inside the ball. Highly recommend.