Softball is a sport that requires hand-eye coordination, precision, accuracy and timing. You must incorporate the correct mechanics and body strength to hit the ball hard. A wide variety of drills and training aids are available to help increase your focus on the ball, swing strength and timing. When you put these elements together, you should have a stronger swing.
Step 1
Trigger your weight back onto your rear foot. The power behind your swing comes from the transfer of your full body weight, so it is important to have as much weight on the back foot as possible before you swing. You should imagine someone is pulling you around your waist toward your back foot, forcing you to transfer the majority of your weight to that back leg until you step forward and swing, moving all your body weight to the swing and then to the front foot for landing.
Step 2
Transfer the weight through your hips to hit the ball. Wesleyan softball coach Crissy Rapp says many new players have the tendency to lunge at the ball and swing through their arms only, rather than put their full body weight behind the swing and rotate through the hips. Rapp says an effective exercise to help you learn to transfer your weight for a more powerful swing includes putting the bat horizontally behind your back and taking your stance at the plate. You should set up a tee at the plate, take a step forward and rotate your hips along with the bat, knocking the ball off the tee as you pivot.
Step 3
Generate torque in your swing. Many hitters swing the bat so the point of rotation is at the tip of the bat's handle, causing the reaction force to move in only one direction -- toward the ball. You can improve your swing speed and strength if you focus on creating a push-pull motion on the bat so the point of rotation is between your hands on the bat's handle. Instead of using both hands to swing the bat toward the ball, pull back with your lower hand while swinging forward with your upper hand to create a more whip-like sensation. This will provide a two-direction force, giving your hit more power.
Step 4
Connect your swing. From your stance, you should start transferring your body weight to the heel of your front foot as you bring your arms around with the bat. As you bring the bat around, it is important to get your hands, rear elbow and back knee all in line for maximum power to hit the ball. If your elbow leads, the bat will drop and fall toward the back. If you let your elbow lag, you will be pushing the bat forward rather than swinging it.
Tips and Warnings
- Always keep your eye on the ball to maximize your chance of hitting it.
- Don't twist your body away from the pitcher when loading the back foot.
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