Hitting in competitive softball can be a very challenging activity. Pitchers throw the ball at speeds approaching 70 mph from distances of 43 to 46 feet. That is the equivalent of a 95-plus mph fastball in baseball (60 feet, 6 inches). As a result, softball hitters must have a keen eye for balls and strikes, a quick bat and go up to the plate without fear.
Step 1
Stand in the rear of the batter's box. Pitchers can throw fastballs that reach speeds of 70 mph, sharp breaking curveballs and changeups. As a result, hitters need every split second they can muster when deciding how to approach each pitch they see. Standing farther back in the batter's box may be the difference between a pop-up and a line drive.
Step 2
Go with the pitch. Since pitchers can throw so hard, there is no use trying to pull the ball for a home run over the outside part of the plate. Instead, try to hit the inside pitch to left field (for right-handed batters), the pitch over the middle to center field and the outside pitch to right field. Power hitters can drive outside pitches over the fence nearly as well as they can pull them over the fence.
Step 3
Learn how to bunt effectively. Women's fast pitch softball is often low scoring and many games are won by 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 scores. As a result, when hitters come up with a runner on base in the late innings, their coaches will ask them to bunt to move the runners over and get them into scoring position. This is true of all players, including the stars.
Step 4
Assess the situation when you come to the plate. If you come up late in the game with the score tied and there is a runner on third base with fewer than two outs, you will want to hit a fly ball to allow the runner to score on a sacrifice fly. Do this by swinging with a bit of an uppercut so you get the ball to the outfield. If there's a runner on second base with fewer than two outs, you may want to make sure you hit the ball to the right side of the infield so the runner can easily move to third base.
Step 5
Think along with the pitcher as the count progresses. Know that if the pitcher is ahead in the count she will try to get you to swing at a pitch out of the strike zone before she comes in with a pitch to hit. On the other hand, if the pitcher is behind in the count and has to come in with a strike, look for that pitch in a zone you can handle and swing at it. If it is not in that zone, do not swing at it.
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