Slow pitch softball is a popular intramural and after work activity. Hitting is the main thrust of the game. Unlike fast pitch softball,which is dominated by pitchers who can throw the ball at speeds up to 70 miles per hour and can also throw pitches that drop, rise and curve, slow pitch softball is about hitters who can drive the ball in the gaps in the outfield and hit it over the fence. While not all batters are power hitters, they dominate slow pitch softball and are the focus of the opposing defense.
Attacking the Pitch
Stand deep in the batter's box as the pitcher prepares to release the ball. Focus on all your momentum going forward as you swing. To do this, take a shuffle step and a hop as the ball descends into the strike zone. Since you are trying to hit long shots into the gap, you will need more than just your arms and upper body to hit the ball. This approach will help you achieve maximum power.
Hit the Ball Where it is Pitched
One of the biggest mistakes many hitters in softball make is trying to pull every pitch. As the ball approaches the strike zone, determine where the ball is falling. If it is over the inside portion of the plate, pull the ball (to left field if you are a right-handed batter). If it is over the middle of the plate, try to hit it to center field. If it is over the outside portion of the plate, try to send the ball to right field. Hitting the ball where it is pitched will allow you to hit with maximum power. However, if you try to pull an outside pitch, you will have to supply more power of your own and won't be able to get maximum distance.
Understand the Count
As your at-bat proceeds, understand that the pitcher will have the advantage if he can get ahead in the count. If the pitcher gets to 0-2 or 1-2, he is not going to give you a pitch that is right over the middle of the plate. Instead, he is going to go for the outside corner or possibly aim a pitch outside the strike zone. He is trying to keep you from bashing the ball over his outfielders' heads. His chances of success are greater if he can keep you from feeling comfortable at the plate. If you have to reach for the ball, you will not be comfortable swinging. If you are ahead in the count, the pitcher is not going to want to walk you, so the chances of seeing a better pitch to hit are much greater. In that case, you can look for a pitch in a particular area and that will make it much easier to hit it hard.
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