Hitting in slow-pitch softball appears to be relatively simple. However, hitting the ball effectively takes strength, coordination, strategy and the ability to adjust to pitches in different locations. The best hitters in slow-pitch softball can break games open with long hits.
Shuffle Step
In slow-pitch softball, the hitter must generate his own power. In baseball or fast-pitch softball, a batter uses the pitcher's speed to help generate power. To generate power, you should start in the back of the batter's box and then take a lead step up in the batter's box so that you can get all your momentum going forward as you make contact with the ball. If you don't do this, you are swinging with just your arms, shoulders and hands. By taking that shuffle step up, you will get your legs, glutes, core muscles as well as your upper body involved in the swing.
Opposite Field
Don't try to pull everything. Good slow-pitch softball hitters know that you can hit the ball just as far to the opposite field as you can pull it. If the pitch is to the outside portion of the plate, a hard ground ball is the likely result if you try to pull it. However, if you try to go to the opposite field, you may be able to hit a long ball or get an extra base hit. The best hitters know how to get maximum power by going with the pitch and not fighting it.
Game Situation
You may want to become a great hitter but you are still part of a team. To be an effective hitter and help your team, know the situation your team is facing. For example, if it is the bottom of the seventh inning and your team is down by a run with a runner on second base, a base hit will tie the game. You may want to look at the way the fielders are placed and try to hit a line drive into an opening. You could try for a home run, but your chances of hitting a single are better.
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