Power hitting dominates slow-pitch softball. Pitchers are not interested in trying to strike out batters but are merely trying to make batters feel uncomfortable when swinging. The idea that most slow pitchers are trying to operate under is that they want opposing hitters to hit the ball where their fielders can make plays. Slow-pitch hitters who understand how pitchers think have a bettter chance of hitting the ball for power.
Step 1
Examine the position of the outfielders when you come to the plate. If you are playing on a field with no fences --- often the case in slow-pitch softball --- you will want to concentrate on placement and finding the gaps in the outfield defense. Right-handed power hitters often find a gap in right center field while left-handed power hitters find their gap in left center. Try to hit the ball into those gaps to get maximum distance and roll on your power hits.
Step 2
Place your bottom hand on the knob of the bat when you step into the batter's box. When you are looking for maximum power, you want to create the most leverage and momentum when you swing. The farther down the bat handle you hold the bat, the more bat speed you have a chance to generate. In fast-pitch softball or baseball, this philosophy can be quite faulty because you don't have as much control of the bat; however, it is ideal for slow-pitch softball when power is the main goal.
Step 3
Take a shuffle step when you hit. Since the ball is usually coming to the plate on a high arc, you have time to get all your momentum moving forward. If you are a right-handed hitter, slide your left foot toward the front of the batter's box as the pitcher releases the ball. Then slide your right foot forward. Take one more slide step forward with your left foot as you swing the bat to get maximum power.
Step 4
Hit the ball to the opposite field if the ball is over the outside part of the plate, to center field if it is over the middle and pull the ball if it is inside. Top slow-pitch softball power hitters know they can drive the ball over the fence to any part of the ballpark and don't have to try to pull the ball to hit it over the fence. If a right-handed batter tries to pull a pitch that is high and outside, the likelihood is that you will hit a ground ball to shortstop or a fly ball to left field. On the other hand, if you drive that ball to right field, you have a much better chance of getting maximum distance on that hit.
Member Comments