Left-handed hitters have a distinct advantage over their right-handed counterparts when it comes to hitting in softball. They are closer to first base and that means that they have less distance to run in order to get there safely. It also opens up the technique of slap hitting and also makes drag bunting a viable option.
Slap Hitting
In fast pitch softball, many pitchers can simply overpower the batter with fastballs that approach speeds of 70 miles per hour. With the slap hitting technique, the batter takes the bat and takes a half swing at the ball as she prepares to run to first. As the batter makes contact with the ball, her right foot is almost out of the batter's box, and she is on her way to first base. She gets such a quick start that she can beat out almost any ground ball hit to the left side of the infield. The only way to defeat the slap hitter is to play the third baseman in about 10 feet closer than normal. However, even that strategy won't work if the ball bounds high. The third baseman is in danger if the batter hits a hard line drive in her direction. While the player using the slap-hitting technique sacrifices power, she has a good chance of reaching base. Right-handed hitters can try to slap hit, but they don't have the same advantage.
Drag Bunt
The drag bunt is another technique that right-handed hitters simply can't even try. As the pitcher begins her windup, the batter slides her left hand up the barrel, angles the bat so the ball will not be hit directly at the pitcher and takes off in a dead sprint toward first base as contact is made. This will give left-handed batters a distinct advantage over their right-handed counterparts. A right-handed hitter is restricted from crossing home plate until she hits the ball, while a left-handed hitter does not have that problem.
Hitting Low Pitches
Right-handed hitters traditionally struggle with pitches that are thrown low and inside. Most right-handed hitters prefer the opportunity to extend their arms so they can hit a pitch that is over the middle or outer half of the plate. Left-handed hitters often take the pitch that is low and inside and drive it for power. The only explanation for this is that many left-handed hitters are right-handed throwers. Since their right-hand is stronger and more coordinated, it can pull the bat through the hitting zone in a more efficient manner, even when the hitting conditions are somewhat cramped.
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