Slow pitch softball is a high scoring game that features a lot of long hits and big innings. While there are some sluggers in the game who can muscle up and belt the ball over the fence with consistency, the best hitters in softball adjust to the count, the pitcher and the situation in the game each time they hit. Batting drills can help players prepare for these situations.
Tennis Ball Drill
The tennis ball drill can help you prepare to hit in slow pitch softball. Take your stance in the batter's box. Your coach will stand to the outside of the other batter's box. He will toss the ball from the side into the hitting area and call out where he wants you to hit the ball. If you are right-handed and he calls out "pull," you will hit the ball to left field. If he calls out opposite, you will hit it to right field. Do this for 10 swings.
Batting Tee
The batting tee is an important tool in all levels of softball and baseball. In slow pitch softball there is a tendency to try to swing for the long ball with the upper cut swing. Using the batting tee before games can help keep your muscles trained to hit the ball with a level swing. Practice by taking 10 to15 swings with a batting tee on a daily basis.
Rope Ball Drill
Drill a 5/8-inch hole in a softball. Take a 12-inch length of rope and insert it in the hole you have drilled in the ball. Have the batter come to the plate as you stand to the side. Turn the rope so the ball moves in a circle, similar to the way the ball is pitched in slow-pitch softball. Have the batter follow the ball and swing at it on the third pass. This will get the batter used to timing the pitch.
Placing The Ball
In order to be an effective hitter in slow-pitch softball, you need to be able to drive the ball to all parts of the field. In this batting practice drill you will get nine swings. The idea is to hit three balls to left field, three balls to center field and three balls to right field.
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