Hitting the ball consistently in fast-pitch softball takes a lot of talent and hard work. Pitchers can throw the ball at speeds approaching 70 mph from a distance of 46 feet, which is the equivalent of a 90-plus-mph fastball in baseball. To develop the hand speed and the authority to hit the ball hard, you must have confidence when you step to the plate.
Location Hitting
One of the most important tips for any hitter is to hit the ball where it's pitched. Some home run hitters think only about launching the ball as far as it can go on an every-pitch basis, no matter where it's located. This is folly for all but a small percentage of fast-pitch hitters. The best way to attempt hitting is to drive the ball where it's pitched. If you are right-handed hitter and you get an outside pitch, drive the ball to right field. If you get a pitch over the middle, hit it to center. If you get an inside pitch, try to pull it to the left. If you attempt to pull the outside pitch, you will likely end up hitting ground balls to the shortstop.
Slap Hitting
Slap hitting is a technique often employed by left-handed hitters to get a running start out of the batter's box. A well-executed slap hit is difficult for an opposing defense to stop. Take your stance and as the pitch comes in, use a half-swing to send the ball to the shortstop side of the infield. As you swing the bat, take a running start out of the batter's box. Your goal is to hit a hard-bounding grounder that goes over the infielder's head or by him. Even if it does not go by, it takes a perfect fielding play to throw the hitter out.
Load the Bat
Loading the bat is a technique that helps you hit the softball with authority on a regular basis. Step into the batter's box and take your stance. Before the pitcher begins her windup, shift all your weight and momentum to your back leg while still maintaining your balance. Once your weight is on your back leg, it has no place to go but forward toward the pitcher. If you bring your weight forward at the same time the pitch reaches the hitting area and make contact with the bat, you are getting all your strength and momentum behind your swing, resulting in a hard-hit ball. If you don't, you will just swing with your arms.
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