Slow-pitch softball is a high-scoring game that feature a lot of scoring and a great number of home runs in the men's and women's game. However, there is more to the game than just hitting the long ball. Many of the slugfests are actually close games, and winning and losing can be determined by fielding plays and baserunning skills. A number of drills can help slow pitch players improve their game.
Consistent Hitting
While everyone wants to hit the long ball in slow-pitch softball, hitting the outside pitch to the opposite field, the pitch over the middle to center field and pulling the inside pitch is the way to go. You can hit hard line drives when you hit pitches in the area where they reach the plate and also hit home runs by going with the pitch. In batting practice, make sure you go with the pitch. You will have plenty of pitches to pull for long home runs, but to become a consistent hitter, hit the ball where it's pitched and don't try to pull everything.
Outfield Throws
The outfielders in slow-pitch softball have to make hard quick throws to be effective. In this drill, line up all the outfielders in right field. Hit each outfielder three balls. One should be a one-hop grounder that should be charged and thrown home. One should be a fly ball to deep right field that should be caught and thrown to third base. The third should be a drive to right-center that the outfielder must cut off and throw to second base to prevent extra base hit.
Base Running
Running the bases well is not a function of speed. It is having the proper instincts to know when to round the bag, advance to the next base and when to go back to the previous one. In this drill, the runner on first base must go to third on a base hit to right field. The key is getting a quick break off first base and hitting the inside corner of second base as you round the bag. Give each runner three chances to go from first to third on a single to hone his base running skills.
Underhand Throws
The softball diamond is significantly smaller than a baseball field and when balls are hit to the pitcher, first baseman and second baseman, underhand throws are often required. The underhand throw is not a lollipop toss but it is not as hard as an overhand throw. Hit five ground balls to the pitcher, second baseman and first baseman to practice the underhand throw, which is a more catchable ball to most fielders.
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