Hitting the ball hard in slow-pitch softball seems easy. The pitcher is not trying to strike you out. Instead, he is just floating the ball over the plate, allowing you to take a shuffle step in the batter's box and a powerful swing at the ball. However, slow-pitch softball hitters have time to think as the pitch comes in and they may vary their hitting plan several times as the pitch approaches. Thinking too much can cause a batter to alter his swing and pop the ball up.
Step 1
Choose a bat that you can handle with ease. In slow-pitch softball, many hitters swing for the home run. This is usually an uppercut swing. However, if you are swinging a bat that is too heavy, it may be difficult to center the bat on the ball. Instead, you may swing slightly underneath the ball, leading to a pop-up. Use a bat that is the correct weight to avoid popping the ball high in the air.
Step 2
Go to the plate with a plan in mind. You don't have to pull every pitch to hit the ball hard and get the desired results. Survey the outfielders before you step in the batter's box. You may see the outfield is playing you to pull the ball. If you are right-handed, that may leave a huge gap in right-center field. Take advantage of that gap by trying to hit a line drive to the vacated area. By hitting a liner, you will drive the ball between the outfielders and avoid the pop-up.
Step 3
Take a shuffle step when you are in the batter's box. This will get your momentum moving toward the ball and you will get your full body behind the pitch when you swing. If you are right-handed, slide your left foot up in the batter's box and move your right foot up as well. Slide your left foot up again. Your swing should rhythmically follow. By getting your feet moving, you will avoid using just your arms to swing and this will help you avoid hitting the ball high in the air.
Step 4
Drive the ball up the middle. Softball hitters will go through slumps from time to time. The best way to get out of a slump is to hit the ball up the middle. This will force you to wait on the ball and use a level swing. Once you consistently hit line drives up the middle, you can start to look for power again.
Things You'll Need
- Softball bat
- Batting gloves
References
- Softball Today; Season Training; Scott Brown
- "How To Hit Slow-Pitch Softball"; J. Carreiro; June 1984
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