Slow pitch softball is a game that features a lot of hitting and run scoring. While women don't hit as many home runs as men do, women's slow pitch softball features a lot of long rallies and extra-base hits. When hitting the ball in slow pitch softball, good hitters take advantage of the positioning of the defense by driving the ball into gaps and using situational hitting.
Assess the Defense
Before you step into the batter's box, take a look at the defense. Are the outfielders playing you to pull? If they are, you will find a big gap in right-center field -- if you are a right-handed batter -- and you may want to consider placing the ball in that spot. If you notice a weak outfielder, you may want to hit the ball in her direction. Placing the ball is much easier in the slow-pitch game that it is in fast pitch because you have more time to recognize the pitch and plan your swing. Take advantage of the defense when you see gaps.
Situational Hitting
If it is early in the game and your team has a chance to start a rally, don't try to overpower the ball and hit home runs. This strategy is not very successful in women's slow pitch because outfielders tend to play deep. You should be a line-drive hitter when you are early in the game because this can start a rally. Don't overswing. If you get a pitch over the outer half of the plate, drive it to right field if you are a right-handed batter. Pull the inside pitch to left. Going with the pitch will give you a much better opportunity to hit the ball consistently hard.
Follow Through
When you play slow-pitch softball, there may be the tendency to drop the bat as soon as you make contact. The ball is too big and too heavy to get away with that. A full follow-through is essential. Accelerate with your hands as you get to the hitting zone and keep the bat on a level plane after your make contact. Finish your swing before you drop the bat and start running around the bases.
Back Shoulder
Your back shoulder positioning is vital to the way you hit the ball. Many hitters want to hit the long ball. The way to do that is to drive it with a low and level swing. If you drop your back shoulder with the idea of driving the ball in the air and over the outfielders' heads, there will be a tendency to pop the ball up. Dropping your back shoulder to try to muscle the ball over the fence rarely works in women's slow-pitch softball. You have a much better chance of hitting the ball hard by keeping your back shoulder upright than if you tilt your upper body and dip your back shoulder.
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