Hitting the ball hard in fast-pitch softball is a difficult task. Pitchers can throw the ball at speeds up to 70 mph from a distance of 46 feet, which is the equivalent of a baseball pitcher who throws at a speed approaching 100 mph. To be a powerful hitter, you must be able to transfer your weight from your back leg to your front side with timing and explosiveness.
Stance
There is no right or wrong way to stand to become a consistent power hitter in softball. However, you need to know that power is generated largely from your hips. So the correct stance is the one that allows you to unleash that power with the greatest ease when you swing. Stand with your feet about shoulder width apart. Get your hands up to the height of your back shoulder. Bend your knees so they are in an athletic position.
Load Your Swing
Loading your swing is the key movement when it comes to hitting with power in softball. As the pticher delivers the ball, you will decide that the pitch is in a hittable position and you will swing. However, to get all your momentum into your swing, you must get in the load position by shifting all your weight and strength to your back leg prior to the pitcher's delivery. Once your weight is on your rear leg, you are ready to come forward with power and explosiveness to hit the ball with authority.
Extension
To hit the ball with power, you need to hit the ball with your hands out in front of your body and fully extended. The key is making contact when the ball is within 6 to 8 inches of the front of the plate, allowing you to get your arms fully extended with maximum momentum, according to Gerry Mauro of Sports USA Elite Training. Making contact with the ball when you are in this position gives you a chance to hit the ball for power on a consistent basis.
Weight Training
Power hitters have to use their strength to drive the ball. If you are using the proper technique to hit the ball for power, you can add to that technique by getting stronger. Lifting free weights by doing the bench press, arm curls and lunges is a good approach. However, if you are lifting free weights, you need a training partner to spot you. If you don't have a training partner, do circuit training to work out your arms, shoulders, back, chest, abs, glutes, hamstrings and calf muscles. If you don't have access to free weights or circuit-training machines, do push-ups, pull-ups and ab crunches to get stronger.
Bat Size
Many power hitters will use bats that are bigger and heavier so they can drive the ball farther. Your power will be determined by your bat head speed at impact with the ball. If you can handle a heavier bat--30 oz. or more--without losing bat speed, you will be able to drive the ball farther than if you are losing a lighter bat. However, if your bat speed slows down, you are better off staying with a lighter bat to drive the ball with power.
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