Hitting
Proper Swing Mechanics
Softball Coach
We are using the explanations from the stand
point of a Right Handed Hitter
Left Handed Hitters just need to reverse the
foot and hand descriptions
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Most players call it a swing, as do most coaches.
Actually it is a pull/push through, in Fast Pitch Softball,
the Batter does not have enough time to do an actual swing, like in baseball.
The Fast Pitch Batter has approx .5 second reaction time
to hit a pitch, where in baseball they have approx. 1.3 seconds to react.
This is where the lighter bats with the Bigger Drop,
discussed earlier, come into play. Be sure when buying your Bat, you buy
one designed for FAST PITCH SOFTBALL, not Slow Pitch.
Another key point mentioned earlier,
It is not muscle that puts the ball out harder and longer,
it is
Bat Speed, Timing and Proper Mechanics.
We will begin to explain Hitting Technique by steps.
1. The Feet should be approx. shoulder width apart and
both should be pointing toward the plate.
(This is one point where we use personal Preference,
as some players feel more comfortable with a wider stance and are able
to hit with more power with the wider stance. Be careful not to allow too
wide a stance as this will reduce power)
2. The Knees should be bent slightly and your weight
should be evenly placed on both feet at this time.
You should also be on the Balls of your Feet, not your
heels.
3. From your torso up, your body should be straight up
and down, you should be neither leaning front or back, or side to side.
4. When gripping the bat, DO NOT grip it tightly in the
palm of your hands. Roll it into your fingers up to where the fingers meet
your hand. This allows your wrists to be more flexable during the Swing
(Pull Through)
5. You want your middle knuckles on both hands to line
up in a straight line. This will become very important as you progress
through your swing.
6. As you step into the box, your feet should automatically
line up and be positioned at your comfortable distance apart.
You can rest your bat on your shoulder and wrap your
fingers around it at this point. This will allow you to line your knuckles.
(Be sure to only keep enough pressure
in your hands to keep the Bat in place, do not start off with a tight grip)
7. From here you can do a practice
swing that will set your body position and will evenly distribute your
weight.
8. Bring the bat back to it's ready
position as the pitcher begins her delivery.
(The ready position, we also consider
to be a matter of personal choice, not every player is able to feel comfortable
holding it in the same position as others.)
You don't want it too tight against
your body and wrapped around your neck, though, as you will not be able
to bring it around quick enough.
Click on the Bat below to view and listen to tips
on the First Phase of the Swing.
As the pitcher begins her delivery you will begin to
do the following.
Many of these may be at the same time.
1. Shift your weight to the inside of the back foot,
always keeping your center of gravity to the middle , or slightly forward.
You must also keep your alignment of your upper body
straight.
2. Push with your rear leg forward
At the same time begin to pull the knob of the bat toward
the ball with your left hand.
3. Your Left Hand will be as if you are doing a Karate
Chop.
4. The Right Hand will just following along until the
Knob of the Bat is almost in line with the middle of your body.
5 You will also begin your Hip Pivot around this time.
6. Your Right Hand will begin to push the barrel of the
bat forward quickly.
7. When the bat is slightly in front of your body, your
middle knuckles should be facing the ground.
8. Your hips should also be between 1/2 and 3/4 of full
rotation.
This is the point where you want to contact the ball.
This is also where your bat should be at it's
Maximum Acceleration.
9. After contacting the ball, your wrists should begin
to rollover.
You should also be pivoting with your feet (squashing
the bug)
10. You will contunue tofollow through with your arms
wntil the bat is touching your back over your left shoulder.
Your both knees should be bent and both feet should be
pointing toward the pitcher.
11. You should still be balanced upon completion of your
swing.
During the process, your bat should travel in a level
to slightly downward direction.
Check below for an example of upper body samples.
Another example of a swing sequence
Please Keep checking back as we will keep trying to improve
on the quality of the Demos.
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