When it comes to hitting in slow pitch softball, regardless of skill level, there are some tips that can be applied to increase your on base percentage. Everybody loves hitting, so let’s make sure you maximize your abilities. Check out these 6 simple tips. You will appreciate it and so will your softball teammates when they see your improved hitting skills.
Tip #1 – Pay attention to the pitcher:
Before it’s your turn to hit, pay close attention to the pitches being thrown. Note the height level. Is the softball coming in flat or high? Note where the pitches have a tendency of landing. Most slow pitch softball pitchers will naturally have the majority of their pitches go in the same area because of the release point that they are comfortable with. As the hitter, figure out , if the pitches are landing deep or short and inside or outside. Once you have keyed in on the pitcher’s general location, you can use that to your advantage when choosing where to stand in the box…
Tip #2 -Batter’s Box Location:
Now that you’ve zeroed in on the height and location tendencies of the pitcher, make your adjustments when standing in the batter’s box. If the pitches are coming in short and flat and you are somebody that likes the ball higher, then stand further up in the box. Conversely, if a pitcher is throwing the ball deep but you don’t want the ball too high, stand toward the back of the batter’s box. The same concept applies for whether you like the ball inside or outside.
Tip #3 – Find the Weak Link:
Now that you’ve keyed in on the pitch location and took your proper place in the batter’s box, you have given yourself the optimum chance at hitting the ball. In most recreational softball leagues, especially co-ed, there are going to be some weak defenders. Try picking out which one you think is the worst and hitting the ball to that particular player. Not only, will you increase your chances of reaching base, but you’ll also sharpen your abilities to place the ball, thus becoming more unpredictable with where you will hit it.
Tip #4 – Be Selective:
So you’ve gauged the pitcher, stood in the box accordingly, and have picked out the defensive weak link. Now it’s time to make sure you are swinging at a good pitch. Do not help out the pitcher by swinging at something that is not a strike even if you end up walking. Many hitters despise walking in slow pitch softball because they want to hit. Consider this though: by establishing that you know the strike zone and are a patient hitter, you’ll see more pitches to hit the rest of the game. Think of it as an investment. You’ll end up “getting to hit” more, because now they’ll be forced to throw you more strikes. If you are one of those hitters that will swing at everything and refuse to walk then guess what? The pitcher and the rest of the league will soon figure this out and you’ll never get a good pitch to hit again. You will have built a reputation as a free swinger and pitchers will continue to throw you pitches out of the zone knowing you’ll chase anyway.
Tip #5 – Keep your Swing Under Control:
For those batters who can hit a homerun or 2 every game, swinging for the fences makes sense. For the rest of us though, swinging out of our shoes is just going to lead to more pop ups and easy outs. Instead, swing the bat at 90% strength. This will allow you to be more accurate in squaring up the ball, which will lead to more line drives and grounders and less fly balls and pop ups. By hitting the ball on the ground or on a line, your chances of reaching base increase.
Tip #6 – Stay Loose:
This is simple, but important. When hitting, some have a tendency to want to grip the bat hard and tense up. This couldn’t be more counter productive. Instead as you get in your stance, stay loose. As you wait for the pitch, grip the bat just tight enough to keep it from falling out of your hands. When you are hitting, remind yourself to stay loose, especially during a big at bat in the game ,when it’s only natural to tense up.
So there you have it. Six hitting tips for slow pitch softball that anybody can apply regardless of skill level. By applying these tips, you will have more success at hitting. I hope these softball hitting tips have been helpful to you. Have fun out there hitting and playing softball! If you are looking for tips on slow pitch softball pitching, be sure to check out Slow Pitch Softball: 10 Important Tips for Pitching for help.
