Hitting in fastpitch softball can be a difficult skill to master. Unlike baseball, where the ball is thrown overhand, giving the player more time to see the ball come out of the hand, fastpitch is delivered underhand, with less time to see the ball and track it before hitting. There are several tips players can learn in order to become better hitters in fastpitch softball.
Jump Into the Box
One of the keys to a great swing in fastpitch softball is having the proper stance. Too tall and stiff and you won't have a fluid swing. Too low and you won't be able to reach the ball, especially if it's pitched high or outside. Practice a proper stance by literally jumping into the hitter's box. Take a normal hop into the box and hold your body in the position as you land. Your knees should be flexed but not fully bent, with your body leaning slightly forward. Staying in this position, have a coach or teammate hand you a bat. This should be the proper stance when preparing to hit the ball. Practice jumping into the box until you are able to begin in the proper position every time you step into the batter's box.
Squish the Bug
Shifting your weight and turning your body properly is essential in making proper contact with the ball. If you don't shift your weight and turn your body, the bat will not swing through the ball, resulting in a miss or an easy ground ball. One of the keys to shifting the weight is using your back foot to transfer weight and shift your body. Imagine a bug on the bottom of your back foot through your swing. You want to squish the bug as you swing, as you would if you were trying to squish a bug on the sidewalk. Focus on this motion through your swing and it will help you achieve the proper form through the ball.
What to Watch For
When you step inside the batter's box, you can perform all your pre-swing motions such as getting your feet set and getting in the proper stance while focusing on the pitcher. Avoid looking at the pitcher's eyes as this won't tell you anything about the pitch she's about to deliver. Focus on the pitcher's hands first to see if you can get a hint of what type of grip she is using. This could clue you into what pitch she's about to deliver. Focus next on her hips, which will indicate what side of the plate she's throwing to. Finally, focus on the ball as it comes out of her hand to judge its speed and direction. Always be taking in information so you're not caught off guard when the pitch comes and you'll be more prepared to swing at the ball.
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