Hitting in slow-pitch softball appears to be rather easy. Instead of facing a baseball or a fast-pitch softball, batters stand in the batter's box, wait for the ball to descend slowly and pick out where they want to hit the ball. However, while it may seem easy, the slow-pitch softball can be difficult to pull and when a pitcher leaves a pitch just on the outside of the strike zone, it can be difficult to determine whether you should swing or not.
Stance in the Batter's Box
Stand fairly deep in the batter's box when getting ready to hit in slow-pitch softball. You don't need the extra reaction time as you do in fast-pitch softball or baseball. However, if you are a hitter who can drive the ball for power or deep into the gaps, you will want to take a couple of steps up in the box as the pitch is approaching. This will get your momentum moving forward as the pitch comes into the hitting zone and allow you to get maximum power. The key is to make sure the pitch is a strike and not go reaching for a ball out of the strike zone.
Go With the Pitch
It's important to realize that you can drive an outside pitch for power as well as pull the inside pitch. A slow-pitch softball is usually a bit heavier than the fast-pitch ball and the idea of trying to pull the outside pitch to hit the home run puts all but the most accomplished hitters at a disadvantage. If the pitch is coming over the outside portion of the plate, wait a bit longer on the pitch and drive it to the opposite field. This will likely take the opposing right fielder by surprise because he will expect the right-handed hitter to hit to left field. This instant of surprise may be all you need to send the ball over the right fielder's head for an extra base hit.
Know the Situation
Be aware of the situation your team is facing in the game. If it is late in the game and the score is tied or your team is down by a run, you may need a run to tie or two runs to win. If there are runners on base there is no reason to try to hit the long ball. Instead, play situational softball and try to hit behind the runner of find the gaps between fielders. There will be times when you need to go for the long ball, but don't push it if you are not a power hitter. Also, if you just need a run or two, go for the line drive and not the long ball.
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