Hitting in fastpitch softball can be a daunting task. Pitchers can throw fastballs at speeds of 70 miles per hour from a distance of 46 feet. That corresponds with a baseball thrown at a speed of 90-plus miles per hour from 60 feet. Pitchers can also throw risers, drops and curveballs. To hit the ball solidly, you have to have a good stance, a solid approach and a first-rate swing.
Stance
Take a comfortable stance with your weight evenly distributed between your two legs. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart. Make sure your front shoulder is facing the pitcher. Your hands should be at shoulder height and positioned just a couple of inches above your rear shoulder. As the pitcher begins her wind-up, shift all your weight and momentum to your rear leg. This is known as loading the bat. When your weight is on your back leg, you are now ready to come forward and into the ball with all your strength and momentum.
Pitch Location
The best hitters will go with the pitch and not try to pull everything they see. When pitchers can throw fastballs with dominating velocity there is no point in a right-handed batter trying to pull every pitch. A right-handed batter who tries to pull an outside fastball will likely hit a ground ball to shortstop or back to the pitcher. However, if you go with an outside pitch and try to hit it to right field, you can still hit for power and get your share of line drives. Going with the pitch will get you more hits and help your team produce more runs.
Situational Hitting
Good hitters are aware of the situation when they come to the plate. If the game is tied and there's a runner on third base, you need to hit a fly ball to get the run home. If there's a runner on second base with no outs, you need to hit the ball to the right side of the infield to get the runner to third base with fewer than two outs. Swing for power if you are going against a pitcher who leaves the ball over the inner half of the plate. Know the capabilities of the opposing pitcher and plan your at-bat accordingly.
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