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Best Site for Beginners: www.manchestersoftball.com/pages/guide.htm
Best Sites for Softball Drills:
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http://tustinsoftball.com/baserunning.htm
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http://www.decatursports.com/softball_drills_page.htm
Tips from the 1998 DeMarini Sports Website
1.What are the best exercises to increase hitting power? If you can physically do them, squats are one of the best exercises to increase hitting power. Your entire body will benefit from this powerful movement. If you can't do squats, try leg presses or weighted dips. They are great for developing power in triceps, chest, deltoids ... important muscles for hitting. Use compensatory training, i.e.: train with explosiveness! You're trying to increase your bat speed ... you need to train with explosive, fast movements rather than slow, deliberate training. If you want more info on this type of training, get The Secrets of Explosive Power by Dr. Fred Hatfield ... a great book for athletic power training!
2.Accelerate the bat through the ball. You lose bat speed when the bat makes contact with the ball. The key is to accelerate as you are hitting the ball explode the bat through it!!
3.Maintain a loose grip on the bat. This will help you can gain 5 miles per hour of bat speed and 5-10 miles per hour of ball speed. Keep them hands loose cuz! Your body won't let you let go of the bat. If you have tension in your hands, it's going to cost you bat speed.
4.In slo-pitch softball, you must have a complete range of motion when you are hitting. You gotta have that bat back as far as you can get it because you want to get as much momentum going as you can. When that front foot comes down, that's your signal to go. This gives you as long a swing as possible. Don't give up the swing once you make contact - that's when you have to power it.
5.For training in the gym for strength, train 40 minutes per session at most. Concentrate on core exercises that train the major muscle groups. You can train three times a week and make sensational improvements.
6.Weight training: Here is a great general system to try that takes very little time and will work wonders for you: 2 times per week do dumbbell bench presses, 2 sets of 8. Followed by dips, 2 sets to 12. When you can do 12, add weight via a weight belt. Follow that with 2 sets of 8 military press (dumbbells, followed by 2 sets of eight dumbbell rows, next chin ups (palms up), End it with bicep curls and you're done!
7.Work out with a DeMarini Chute-Speed Training Device. The Chute-Speed is a scientifically proven training device that keeps all the resistance directly behind the bat head. This forces the hitter to keep their hands out in front of the bat and maintain their speed as they make contact with the ball. The Chute-Speed is a product that not only dramatically increases a softball players' strength and bat speed, but also naturally improves hitting technique.
8.When making contact with the ball, do not lose site of it. Keep your eyes on that little white ball and you will kill it!
9.Don't forget to get into a bad mood before a game. When you go up to bat, don't be nervous, get angry and focus all your energy on nailing that ball over the fence.
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Hitting Tips From Ray DeMarini
These tips were posted on DeMarini Sports' web site when the softball-l list was in existence Let’s get started. Subject - what weight bat to use. I have done lots and lots of scientific testing relating to hitting a softball. I have become a proponent of using light weight bats and here’s why:
Using myself as an example - I generate approximately 95MPH bat speed with my 26 ounce bat. I can generate just about the same 95MPH speed using a 29 ounce bat. You would logically think that I should use the 29 ounce bat, no question. I can swing it as fast and the added mass will allow me to hit the ball farther than with the 26 ounce bat. Logic in this case is dead wrong!
The important part of the equation that isn’t considered in the above comparison is relative bat speed immediately after the ball has left the bat. In other words, how much of my initial 95MPH speed was I able to maintain while hitting through the ball. Here are the facts. I swing both at 95MPH just prior to hitting the ball. With the 26 ounce bat, my bat speed immediately after the ball is hit goes down to 56MPH! With the 29 ounce bat, my bat speed goes down to 49MPH! In other words, with the heavier bat, I’m swinging it fast but cannot push the bat through the ball and maintain as much speed as I can with the lighter bat.
Before we even take this subject much further I think it is crucial to stop and realize the incredible fact that I lose that much speed from hitting a 6.5 ounce ball. It simply amazes me. I have a pretty good follow through, I am extremely strong and have a decent swing ... and I lose all that speed when I hit the ball. I have tested lots of hitters; it is a constant. You lose a lot of speed when you hit the ball.
If you really think about it, what separates the true power hitters from the mere mortals is their ability to maintain bat speed. Compare my stats to that of a truly great player. I’ll reference Larry Carter, one of the most awesome distance and power hitters I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen most all of them!) Larry weighs 260lbs+ and is in great physical condition with a vicious swing and scary strength. He can squat over 600lbs, bench 485lbs. and military press 275lbs. (easy)! You get the message. Larry is strong! He is dedicated and a great, great banger. Compare his bat speed to mine. It’s the same at 95MPH. Larry uses a 31 ounce bat ... I use a 26 ounce. So why does he hit the ball over 100 feet farther than I do? Simple ... his speed during contact with the ball.
Larry has the highest ‘after’ speed I have recorded. I finish at 56MPH, Larry finishes at 89MPH. In other words, Larry literally loses NO bat speed while powering through the ball. Larry shouldn’t go down in weight! He isn’t losing any speed with the 31 ounce ... there’s no need to go lighter. The question is can YOU? If you went with a lighter bat than you now use, would you pickup ‘finishing’ speed, and therefore distance? Try a friend's lighter bat and give it a fair chance. Take the time to know what works for you. Don’t swing 5 times and say, no, not for me. Give it 100 swings. See if your follow through seems more efficient. Note what is happening with the ball.
What I am really trying to get across to you is crucial to hitting performance: you MUST have an efficient and complete follow through with your swing. You must think acceleration through the ball. Go right directly through the ball. Don’t give up your swing the second you feel the ball hit the bat ... in fact, that’s when you have to swing hardest! And give some thought to your bat weight. Make sure you give yourself full chance to be as good as you can!
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More Hitting Tips for Slo-Pitch Softball
Here are some hitting tip from Ray DeMarini's "The Secrets to Ultimate Bat Speed" and a few other places. I'll be updating this periodically, so keep checking back. If you have any tips you want to share with the rest of us softball nuts, e-mail me & I'll put them in here.
1. Keep your hands loose - you get a lot more speed with a relaxed grip than with a tight grip.
2. PUSH with your back hand while PULLING with your front hand - the PUSH will give you a significant increase in power & improve your follow-through.
3. Release your top hand off the bat - this will help give you more extension which means more power. If you don't already do this, it will probably feel uncomfortable at first, but work with it & you should see an increase in power.
4. Keep your hands out in front of the bat - basically throw your hands at the ball so that the last thing that comes through the strike zone is the bat head.
5. Hit the bottom half of the ball - this causes back spin which will carry the ball farther.
6. Make sure you are shifting your weight from your back foot to your front foot as you're powering through the ball. If you keep your weight on your back foot, you just won't generate that much power.
7. Make contact slightly in front of where you're standing because this will be where you're generating your max bat speed. Too far in front, though, and the bat will be decelerating when you hit the ball. Too soon in your swing, & you won't be generating enough speed & won't have enough leverage.
8. Drop your pinky finger off the knob to get more leverage because leverage = speed.
9. Choose pitches in your "power zone". Each of us has his own zone where he can hit with the most power. Try to be patient & really work on pitch selection.
10. "Ikey-Mikey" - start your swing with your chin on your front shoulder (Ikey), and end with your chin on your back shoulder (Mikey). This will keep your head down on the ball and prevent you from opening up too soon & losing power.
Don't worry about hips, back elbow, and all that other stuff; concentrate on your hands - keeping them relaxed, swinging them fast and pulling (accelerating) through the ball to maintain as much speed as possible, and the rest (hips, weight transfer, follow-through, etc.) will take care of itself.
You'll be surprised what you are capable of if you apply proven techniques and practice hard. If you WANT to hit with more power and consistency, you CAN and WILL; it is up to YOU.
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University of South Dakota Hitting Drills
HITTING: BATTING BEAM DRILL
Here's a drill you may find useful. Construct a batting beam with pieces of 2" x 4"s. The main piece should be about 4' long. Two cross pieces about 18" should be nailed about 16" from each end of main piece. Have player stand on this during soft toss. The player should remain on beam throughout swing.
The beam encourages the batter to be on the balls of the her feet and to maintain a balanced swing. It also helps the batter to take their timing step straight to the pitcher. The players don't like this beam at first, but it does help.
HITTING: BARRIER DRILL
Have the batter stand one bat length from a barrier (I prefer a net to prevent damage to the bat, but you can use a fence). Have her take her normal swing. If she hits the barrier, she is unlocking her elbows before her shoulders and getting wide on the swing.
Rear Barrier Drill: Place a barrier directly behind the batter and have her take her normal swing. If the bat hits the barrier, she is dropping her hands. You can use this barrier even when you are using a pitching machine or live pitching for instant feedback to the batter that she is dropping her hands.
HITTING: SOFT-TOSS DRILL
We rarely use a full size "bat" or a full size "ball" when doing soft-toss. This is done to intensify the drill and the skill being taught. Position your self to the batting side (right for right handed batters) and ahead of the batter. Toss the "ball" at the hip of the batter. You want them to impact the ball in front of their body. This is the "contact point". The toss is important!! You do not want an arching, ugly type of thing, unless you are playing the old man's game of "slo-pitch", if so, you are on the wrong home-page. The toss should be crisp, but not too fast and out in front of the batter. Practice this to get it correct.
We use soft-toss to teach and reinforce the proper mechanics of the swing. Make sure your batters are: 1.) pivoting correctly and early enough. 2.) rotating their hips with an explosion toward the ball. 3.) unlocking their shoulders, elbows and wrists in sequence while throwing their hands straight to the ball (watch for hands dropping and correct this). 4.) Watching the ball all the way to the "bat" and continuing to watch the "contact point" after the "ball" has been hit.
The proper stance is essential. It should be a balanced stance with 60% of the weight on the back foot, eyes level, bat in launch position (not rapped behind the head), knees slightly bent, and door-knocking knuckles lined up. The stride should be a short, smooth lift and move type of stride. At impact with the ball and at follow-through, the body should be in a slightly curved position toward the ball (inward "c"), this insures that all the weight and power went in to impacting the ball.
We have used many things for "balls" and "bats". To increase concentration on the ball, try using tennis balls, practice whiffle golf balls, coffee can lids (plastic ones like frisbees), but my favorite (and the players favorite) is to use black-eyes peas or popcorn. We start hitting them with a full size bat, but quickly move to using a "thunder-stick" or a home-made "bat" I made which is about the same size as a "thunder-stick" but with less weight inserted in the end. I feel we are trying to teach muscle memory and too much weight teaches a slower swing, but others think differently.
One of my favorite drills is the "Two-Ball" drill with the practice golf balls. I hold 2 balls in my hand and toss them into the "contact zone" and call out either "one" or "two". The player must hit the corresponding ball.
If the batters start to "cheat" on soft-toss drills, I hold 1 ball in either hand and rotate them (like juggling) and toss one up. This way they do not know when the ball is coming. They all hate this, but it works!!
WRIST-ROLL DRILL
Purpose: To strengthen the player's hands, wrist and forearms. Equipment: A horizontal bar with a weight suspended from a rope attached to the middle of the horizontal bar (a wooden dowel, rope and weights, varying from 2.5 lbs., 5, 10, 15, etc.) Procedure: The player grips the bar with both hands, holding it a waist level, be sure that the weight does not touch the ground (be sure that the elbows are next to the body). The player curls her wrist up and down to raise the and lower the weight. The drill is down for a prescribed period of time or for a designated number of repetitions. To make the drill more challenging, have the players as their arms to shoulder level and extend them out in front.
Coaching Points: Coach should vary the amount of weight and repetitions according to the strength of each players. Be sure that the players keep their arms at a 90 degree angle. Emphasize just wrist action and not foreman movement of up and down.
BAT-TWIRL DRILL
Purpose: To increase bat control and to develop hand, wrist and foreman strength. Equipment: A bat for each player. Procedure: The player extends her arms in front of her body with a slight bent at the elbow. She holds the bat in a vertical position and begins to rotate the bat in a tight circle clockwise, gradually increasing the speed of the bat head. After a designated period of time, the player twirls the bat in a counterclockwise direction. After a designated period of time, the player switches hands and repeats the drill.
Coaching Points: Emphasize bat speed and keeping the twirls tight. Increase the number of repetitions gradually.
BACK AND FORTH DRILL
Purpose: To increase bat control and to develop hand, wrist and foreman strength. Equipment: A bat for each player. Procedure: The player extends her arms in front of her body with a slight bent at the elbow. She holds the bat in a vertical position and begins to rock the bat from left to right, stopping the downward arc of the bat at waist level. The player will gradually increase the speed of the bat. This is done for a designated period of time. After a designated period of time, the player switches hands and repeats the drill.
Coaching Points: Emphasize the speed of the bat and where the downward arc is stopped Increase the number of repetitions gradually.
WRIST FIGURE EIGHTS DRILL
Purpose: To increase bat control and to develop hand, wrist and foreman strength. Equipment: A bat for each player. Procedure: The player extends her arms in front of her body with a slight bent at the elbow. She holds the bat in a vertical position and creates an imaginary figure eight in the air, gradually increasing the speed of the bat. After a designated period of time or number of repetitions, the player reverses the direction of the bat. After a designated period of time, the player switches hands and repeats the drill.
Coaching Points: Emphasize bat speed. Make certain the figure eights are executed properly. Increase the number of repetitions gradually.
BOTH HAND WRIST SNAPS DRILL
Purpose: To increase bat control and to develop hand, wrist and foreman strength. Equipment: A bat for each player. Procedure: The drill begins with the player holding the bat in her back hand. She swings the bat, starting the swing just prior to the wrist roll. She snaps the wrist through and quickly returns the bat to the starting position. She repeats the process as quickly as possible until time has expired or a designated number of repetitions have been completed. The player then switches the bat to the lead hand and repeats the drill.
Coaching Points: Emphasizing griping the bat properly. Emphasizing properly snapping the wrist. Stress quickness of drill but without sacrificing proper techniques. Increase the number of repetitions gradually.
TWO HAND WRIST SNAPS DRILL
Purpose: To increase bat control and to develop hand, wrist and foreman strength. Equipment: A bat for each player. Procedure: The drill begins with the player holding the bat with both hands, using her normal batting grip. She takes a swing, starting the swing just prior to the wrist snap. She snaps the wrist through and quickly returns the bat to the starting position. She repeats the process as quickly as possible, until time has expired or a designated number of repetitions have been completed. Coaching Points:
Emphasizing griping the bat properly. Emphasizing properly snapping the wrist. Stress quickness of drill but without sacrificing proper techniques. Increase the number of repetitions gradually. BAT ROLLS Purpose: To increase bat control and to develop hand, wrist and foreman strength. Equipment: A bat for each player. Procedure: The player assumes a stance with her hips facing an imaginary pitcher, swings the bat, starting the swing just prior to the wrist roll. She rolls the bat forward and backward, completing a full swing by touching both shoulders with the bat. She should execute the swing using only the forearms and wrists. She repeats the process as quickly as possible, until time has expired or a designated number of repetitions have been completed. The drill can also be done with the player beginning in her normal batting stance. Coaching Points:
Remind the player to keep her wrist and hands relaxed through out the drill. Emphasize performing the drill as quickly as possible without sacrificing proper techniques. Players should feel a torso stretch (hips are open to the pitcher, but the arms are still back) prior to the swing. This will enable them to "feel" keeping the front side closed to pitcher as long as possible.
ONE KNEE - TOP HAND BOTTOM HAND
Purpose: To improve proper hitting mechanics To increase hand, wrist and forearm strength. Equipment: A swift stick, whiffle balls and a batting tee Procedure: The batting T is placed approximately 10 feet from the net. The player assumes a stance with he back knee on the ground and her front foot flat on the ground, creating approximately a 90-degree angle with her foot leg. A whiffle ball is place on the tee and the hitter grips the swift stick in her back hand and swings through the ball. This drill is repeated for a designated period of time and then the hitter switches the swift stick to her front hand and repeats the drill again. This drill can also be done with tennis balls. Once the player has the mechanics master, she can use a bat and softballs. This drill can also be done off a soft toss. This drill should be performed for a prescribed period of time or a designated number of repetitions.
Coaching Points: Emphasize performing the drill quickly without sacrificing proper techniques. Emphasize the body remaining "tall", unlocking the shoulder, elbow and wrist in that order upon hitting the ball.
DOUBLE TEE (INSIDE/OUTSIDE) PITCH LOCATION DRILL
Purpose: To develop the proper mechanics necessary to hit a pitch in any location and to all fields. Equipment: A bat, softballs, two batting tees (or a double tee) and a net. Procedure: The batting tees are positioned with one high and inside and the other low and outside. The hitter assumes her normal batting stance at an appropriate distance from the first tee. On command, she executes the proper swing necessary to pull through the high-inside pitch and quickly returns to the ready position. As soon as she is ready, she hits the low-outside ball to the opposite field, adjusting her swing accordingly. The tee position can be altered at the coach's discretion (high-outside, inside-belt high, outside-belt high, etc.). This drill should be performed for a prescribed period of time or a designated number of repetitions.
Coaching Points: Emphasize concentrating on pitch location. Emphasize using the proper techniques. The drill should be preformed daily in the early part of the season. All elements of the swing should be critiqued.
NO STRIDE DRILL
Purpose: To isolate and work on the hip rotation and upper body mechanics. Equipment: A bat, balls, tee and a net Procedure: The player steps to the stop where the front foot would be after the stride and starts in that position. She swings and concentrates on the pivot, hip rotation and movement of the upper body. She drives the front shoulder to the outside corner of the plate. She keeps the head down and looks inside the tee after contact. The goal is to hit a hard line drive off the tee. This drill should be performed for a prescribed period of time or a designated number of repetitions. Variation: Put a target on a fence (a square of tape or a paper plate) for players to attempt to hit. They should avoid lifting their heads to watch the flight of the ball. They start 10 feet from the fence. As the players move further back, it becomes more difficult for them to hit the target because the degree of error has increased.
Coaching Points: Emphasizing keeping their head down and not watching the flight path of the ball. Emphasize using the upper body and hips, not the lower body. Emphasize using proper techniques.
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Hitting - Experimentation & Observation
This article is from Slo-pitch's softball page, his personal opinions.
Hitting for Power
A lot of people criticize others for talking too much about homeruns and power instead of base hitting. And some people who have power are cocky and arrogant and like to make themselves feel superior to everyone else. I think we should all be open-minded about EVERY aspect of the game and work to improve our abilities in each. After all, it's ONLY A GAME. I view power as a way to gage progress. To me power isn't just putting the ball over the fence; it's about screaming line drives and grounders that give the defense little or no time to react, resulting in more base hits. That said, if you don't have a bat speed meter to check your after-contact speed or a radar gun to check the ball's speed when you hit it, the obvious way to judge how hard the ball was hit is how far it carried. If you can improve to hit the ball 300 feet or so, you WILL hit smoking balls for base hits and improve your batting average and power simultaneously. Just don't get caught in the trap of trying to hit every ball out because it ain't gonna happen and your mechanics can suffer along with your average. Using Good Equipment The subject line pretty much says it all. Two of the best ways to have more fun playing the game are to improve your skills and performance, and using good equipment (mainly bats in this case) is going to help your performance significantly (in conjunction with improved skill), while practice is primarily responsible for improving your skill. Yeah, you can hit ok with a $20 bat, and it's good to have one for cold weather, but there's no comparison in performance between a cheap bat and a good one. You really do "get what you pay for". A good bat is going to run probably $130-$150 for a single wall, while a top-of-the-line bat like the DeMarini Ultimate Distance (better know as the "Double Wall" or "DDW") will run $270-$300. I'm certainly not suggesting to go out and spend $300 for a bat, but I am suggesting that if you find yourself playing more and more softball, and you don't own a "high-tech" bat like a DeMarini, Louisville Slugger TPS, Worth SuperCell, Easton Redline, Steele's, Grover, etc., that you consider buying one. Some of the reasons for this are that you can choose a bat that feels the most comfortable to you, it is a way of pulling your own weight with the team, and it shows consideration to those who regularly let the team use their bats. I have 5 bats right now that I take to every game, and I let the team use them all. Some of the guys I know always use other people's bats and wouldn't buy their own if you gave them $200. Because of the wear and tear on my equipment, and the fact that it comes out of my wallet and no one else's, I may limit what I share when the season rolls around again.
The Right Attitude
My attitude is really very simple: I want to hit the ball so hard that the seams explode and I wrap the barrel of the bat around the ball. I don't really care if it's a fly ball, line drive, or grounder, although I prefer not to hit grounders because the probability of making an out increases. I want the ball to have so much velocity that fielders can't catch it and if they do, it hurts so bad they don't want to catch another one. In addition, if the ball has a lot of velocity & happens to be a fly ball, it's got a good chance of burning the outfielders for extra bases or going out of the park. There's nothing more annoying to me than seeing a weak fly ball hit right to an outfielder. At least a weak grounder gives you the opportunity to try to beat the throw or get a bad throw.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Tee it up Tees are great for working on mechanics and taking BP when there's nobody to pitch to you. You can move the ball in, out, up, down, short, and deep to practice hitting different types of pitches and to determine where your power zone is. Since the ball isn't moving, you can totally concentrate on your swing and how to hit the ball to get different spins and placing it where you want. If you hit the tee, you know that you're not watching the ball & it will help you concentrate on keeping your eyes on the ball, which means more & better hits for you in games. If the ball isn't high enough for you, put your tee on a milk crate or 5-gallon bucket. If you're really tall, you may have to use something even taller. I hit off a tee almost every week (100-200 balls usually) and it has helped significantly. It also creates muscle memory so that your best swing becomes a habit instead of something you have to think about & this will improve your game & also minimize getting in slumps. Tees also make it easy to check your bat speed if you have a bat speed meter.
Pitch Selection and the Power Zone
This subject probably gets more people frustrated (including me) than any other part of the game. There's nothing quite as frustrating as popping up, dribbling a weak grounder, or whiffing because you swang at a bad pitch with less than 2 strikes instead of waiting for a good one. Each person has his (or her) own "power zone", "hitting zone", or whatever you want to call it where he will hit the ball with the most authority (most bat speed, greatest leverage, best technique, etc.). My friend Rodney likes the ball a little low and inside, while I prefer it a little high and not quite as far inside. Spend a LOT of time taking batting practice and find out where your zone is. Don't swing at the junk pitches. Learn to be patient and wait on a good pitch, learn how to recognize the pitch early so you'll be ready to whack it, and learn how to adjust your position in the batter's box according to where the pitcher pitches (deep, short, outside, inside) in order to increase the probability of getting a good pitch. Also be ready to adjust to compensate for the umpire's strike zone.
Differences in People
Everyone is different & what works for one person will not necessarily work for another. We are different heights & weights, have different numbers and percentages of fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibers, have different tendon origins and insertions, etc. Rodney, whom I mentioned at the top of this page, and I have similarities in our swings in that we are looking for the pitch we know we can hit the farthest, we both use overlap grips (although they aren't exactly the same), we are both right-handed, our follow-throughs are similar, we both usually hit about the same number of balls out in BP, and we both like to hit, hit, and then hit some more. But that is pretty much where the similarities end. I lift weights & Rodney doesn't. I swing a parachute & Rodney doesn't. I hit off a tee regularly & Rodney doesn't. I play one game a week usually & Rodney may play several games & then play in a tournament on the weekend. I tend to get a lot of height on the balls I hit out & Rodney's hrs tend to have a flatter arc. I like slightly high pitches from the middle of the plate to the inside edge & Rodney likes his pitches low and inside. Rodney can take an inside pitch that is almost in the batter's box and hit it down the left field line, where I tend to take the same pitch and hit it about 50 feet foul. So what's my point you ask? We are all different, so spend a lot of time practicing & finding out what works best for you.
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Darryl Beeler
Q: What advice could you give the average player to help him become a better hitter? A: Practice and Patience. Q: How can a player with good power and takes alot of BP, but isn't hitting the ball out of the park as often as he'd like, become more consistant in the HR category? A: Have a better pitch selection. Q: What kind of workouts or exercises do you do to help increase your power and bat speed? A: Total Body. Rusty Bumgardner
Larry Carter
I'm just trying to hit the ball solid and hard. I never try to hit the ball out of the ballpark. Your explosiveness has to be there, your timing has to be there, and your pitch selection has to be there. Take tons of batting practice.
Kerry Everett
Every time you take BP, act like every pitch is a game situation! Take a full cut, don't cheat yourself! If you don't like the pitch, tap it back to the pitcher. Anyone can go take 100 swings and be done, but you won't get anything out of your BP. You'll get more out of it if you take it seriously!. Don't think at the plate, especially of a last AB, the only thing you should be thinking about is YOUR pitch! Know the strike zone and what pitch you can hit the best! If you learn YOUR pitch and take BP serious, you'll be amazed at how much better a hitter you can be.
Q: What advice can you give the average player to help them become a better hitter? A: Practice, practice, practice - hit, hit, hit! This is what separates the average players from being the BEST! Q: What advice could you give to someone who has good power, but keeps coming up short of the fence? A: I think he needs to practice more and if he keeps coming up short, then he does not have the power and he needs to get stronger in the gym. Q: What could you recommend to increase bat speed? A: The best way to increas bat speed is to swing, not at pitches, but visualize the pitches, swinging as hard as you can - 50 swings a day. Q: What kind of workouts do you do? A: I workout 3 days a week (2 hours each) at softball program, that benefits me at softball - not bodybuilding. Q: Can you give an example of your workout? A: 4 sets of chest on bench - 8 reps each, this build chest and triceps. Triceps (2 hours) these are your extendor muscles, which are very important in power hitting. All aspects of your legs, 3 sets of each leg exercise with 10 reps each. Work on quads, hamstrings and calves.
Jason Fleming
Q: What advice can you give the average player to help them become a better hitter? A: Be conscious of what you do when you're taking BP. Don't do it half assed. Determine which pitch is yours & which one you can hit out of the park consistantly, then look for it in the game. Be aggressive. Also, find a stance, grip, etc. that you are comfortable with and try to perfect it. Do what works best for you. There is no one swing that produces HRs all of the time, or else everyone's would look identical. Q: What advice could you give to someone who has good power, but keeps coming up short of the fence? A: Try using a cam-corder w/ a tri pod and video tape your next BP session. Make a note of which pitch you hit out of the park, wether they're 320's or 400's. Watch the tape and anylize your swing. You could have a slow bat head, your point of contact could be too far out in front or behind you. You could be pulling your head off of the ball (usually done by over swinging). Concentrate on being smooth and exploding into the ball. Remember, it's slowpitch & you're generating the force that allows the ball to fly off of the bat. It's a total body effort. Q: What could you recommend to increase bat speed? A: Try hitting a tire. Take a smooth swing into the tire and allow your wrists to pop the bat head through once you have made contact. Think "fast hands". It's not so much what the bat does before it gets there. It's the power and speed you produce once contact is made. Q: What kind of workouts do you do? A: 2 days on, 1 day off twice a week! Chest, bi's, forearms, legs /REST/ shoulders, tri's & back. Q: Can you give an example of your workout? A: I go entirely on feel on the particular day. Some days you are stronger than others. I vary my workouts every week and try to keep them fairly simple. A few warm up sets & then 1-2 sets to failure. My bench is around 420 and squat about 575.
Hank Garris
Spinning the ball: if you can hit the bottom half of the ball, that's the name of the game. Hit the ball in the high zone (from the belt to the neck area instead of the knee to the belt). If you can, do this consistently, you'll hit more balls out of the park.
Jeff Hall
Q: What advice could you give the average player to help him become a better hitter? A: Practice and take BP serious! Q: How can a player with good power and takes alot of BP, but isn't hitting the ball out of the park as often as he'd like, become more consistant in the HR category? A: Try different stances. Q: What kind of workouts or exercises do you do to help increase your power and bat speed? A: I train the whole body. Q: Can you give an example of your average workout, such as weight and reps? A: Mon. chest and tri's, Tue. back and bi-ceps., Wed. legs, Thur. shoulders. I only workout from January to September and take a few months off in-between. Q: What kind of workout could you suggest to the player with warning track power? A: Work on your legs. They are what generate power by pushing off to connect with the ball.
Britt Hightower
Q: What advice can you give the average player to help them become a better hitter? A: You have to devote yourself to working out and hitting & hitting & hitting. If you don't have the desire to be your best, you'll keep falling short. Q: What advice could you give to someone who has good power, but keeps coming up short of the fence? A: Change things up, whether it be your stance or your hand position and WORK OUT. Q: What could you recommend to increase bat speed? A: Swing a heavier bat. Q: What kind of workouts do you do? A: I am on a powerlifting workout. It is a 4 day workout. M-T-T-F. When the season gets going I'll change it to 3 days, T-W-T. Q: Can you give an example of your workout? A: Chest: bench press - warm up 275 for 8 reps, 315 for 6 reps, 365 for 3 reps, 385 for 2 reps and 315 for 6 reps. Legs: squat - warm up with 315 for 8 reps, 405 for 8 reps, 515 for 6 reps, 565 2 sets of 3 reps.
Ricky Huggins
Q: What advice can you give the average player to help them become a better hitter? A: Practice. Experiment and learn your limitations. Such as, I am a power hitter, base hitter, spray hitter. Learn to do it all, but play within your limitations. Q: What advice could you give someone who has good power, but keeps coming up short of the fence? A: Learn a agood consistent power swing to go with the power, but if you can't develop one, refer to question #11. Q: What could you recommend to increase bat speed? A: Strength, or maybe swinging 50 times every other day with a weight bat. Q: What kind of workouts do you do? A: Pyramid bench, triceps, dips, tread mill, pre-core leg press, smith machine lunges and light squats. Q: Can you give an example of your regular routine? A: Monday - upper body, Tuesday - legs, Wednesday - off. Repeat. Weight really isn't much of a factor. I'm 45 years old so I do what I need to maintain strength and stamina. I don't care about a 400 lb bench press that would hurt my body. Q(#11): Everyone knows that the homerun is the name of the game at the Super Level, do you think that defense is overlooked? A: Entirely, but I don't believe that the homerun is the name of the game. With all of our Nationals in baseball stadiums, you better know how to hit and play defense.
Sterlin Ibrom
Q: What advice can you give the average player to help them become a better hitter? A: Practice which is structured, we always use the last 20 swings as if they are game situations. Q: What advice could you give someone who has good power, but keeps coming up short of the fence? A: Do not give up, the more you swing, the better your power numbers will get. Just remember that not everyone can be a Carl Rose. Q: What could you recommend to increase bat speed? A: I personally hit a punching bag 50 times a night. Q: What kind of workouts do you do? A: Normally I will lift 4X a week. I lift to keep my strength without building up too much bulk, this helps flexibility
Jason Kendrick
Q: What advice can you give the average player to help them become a better hitter? A: ? My advice would be to watch someone that you know that is a good hitter and pick up some tips from their swing, stance, grip and pitch selection. Doing exercises to increase your bat speed, lifting weights, and taking lots of batting practice will do wonders to help your hitting. Q: What advice could you give to someone who has good power, but keeps coming up short of the fence? A: See answer to previous question. Q: What could you recommend to increase bat speed? A: I personally have an old tire set up in my back yard that I hit with a heavier bat (about 35 oz.). I think that if someone swings a heavy bat it will help increase their bat speed. I also would recommend doing exercises such as wrist curls and shoulder exercises. Q: What kind of workouts do you do? A: In addition to taking batting practice, I also workout with weights and do some type of cardiovascular exercises such as the stair stepper and the treadmill. Q: Can you give an example of your workout? A: My workouts usually are about one & half hours long and I alternate body parts about every 5 days. For example: Legs-stretch and warm-up for about 10 minutes. (1) 3 to 4 sets of squats: 1st set 185 x 12, 2nd set 225 x 12, 3rd set 275 x 10, 4th set 315 x 8 (2) 4 sets of leg press: 1st set 300 x 12, 2nd set 350 x 10, 3rd set 400 x 10, 4th set 450 x 8 (3) 3 sets of leg extension: 1st set 140 x 10, 2nd set 155 x 10, 3rd set 170 x 10 (4) 3 sets of leg curls: 1st set 110 x 15, 2nd set 120 x 10, 3rd set 130 x 10 Note: I sometimes do stiff legged dead-lifts for my hamstrings and I also do exercises for my calves. I finish up my leg workout with about 10 minutes of light stretching.
Mike Macenko
For any person out there you need to find your limits and work within them. If you are a .650 hitter, work on hitting .700 and if you are a home run hitter, work on your power alley and do this until hitting a home run becomes a habit. The number one thing I think is swinging level with the ball. This is the most important thing that players do not practice today. If you are swinging level or through the ball you will definitely have to watch the ball off the bat. Your eyes are a very important part of your swing!!!
DeWayne Nevitt
Q: What advice can you give the average player to help them become a better hitter? A: Get control of your bat. Don't just go up there swinging your butt off. Know your pitches, hit the ball where it is pitched. Q: What advice could you give to someone who has good power, but keeps coming up short of the fence? A: Drive the ball and find the window from where the ball comes to the plate. That window is your swinging zone. Q: What could you recommend to increase bat speed? A: Bat speed is something I personally think is hard to teach, because you have 2 kinds of hitters. Players with a long swing and players with short swings. Guys with long swings need to swing a heavier end load bat. Guys with short swings need a lighter, more balanced bat. Q: What kind of workouts do you do? A: Wind sprints and weight lifting. Q: Can you give an example of your workout? A: Bench press 4 sets of 10 reps with a max of 350 lbs., I workout with 250-275 lbs. Legs, leg press 4 sets of 10 with a max of 750 lbs., dips and alot of shoulder work.
Ron Parnell
Q: How many times a week do you take BP? A: 1-2 times a week during the season. Q: How many rounds do you hit in a BP session and how many swings per round? A: 2 rounds per session. Each round consists of 35 balls. I start by hitting some to the opposite field, then I try to base hit some, then I start free swinging with the majority of the balls. Q: How do you think this benefits you? A: I am able to work on all around game. Hit enough to keep sharp, but not so much that you're tired and worn out before the weekend gets here. Q: What advice could you give the average player to help them become a better all around player? A: PRACTICE!! Ask questions of the pros, watch their swings and techniques, video tape them & yourself. Most important... know your limitations, Not everyone was meant to hit home runs. Q: Do you work as hard on defense as you do hitting, or do you feel that hitting is everything and "D" isn't as imprtant? A: Defense wins championships! Especially since most are played in baseball stadiums. I play the oufield and its harder to practice defense than say an infielder that can take ground balls everyday. But make no mistake about it; people want to see hitting and home runs! That is where the entertainment is! Q: How can a player who has good power and takes alot of BP, but isnt hitting the ball out of the park as often as he'd like, become more consistant in the HR category? A: There's probably something wrong with technique in the swing or not hitting a good pitch, or not getting the correct spin (back spin) on the ball! Q: What kind of exercises or workouts do you do to make yourself a better power hitter? A: Work the total body, including legs. Work on cardiovascular conditioning. I train different than most people. I believe in low volume/high intensity workouts. 3 days a week, 1 hour per session. Q: Are there any specific routines that you can suggest to the average player to help get over warning track power? A: Every individual is different and needs to develop what works best for them.
Mike Shenk
Q: What advice could you give the average player to help him become a better hitter? A: Take as much BP as possible, also try to work in some type of weight training program. Q: How can a player with good power and takes alot of BP, but isn't hitting the ball out of the park as often as he'd like, become more consistant in the HR category? A: The best thing that I can suggest is to go to a Super Major tourney in your area, take a cam-corder and tape some of the different guys and their different techniques. Technique and pitch selection are probably the most important things to learn about hitting. Q: What kind of workouts or exercises do you do to help increase your power and bat speed? A: I like to use a pyramid work out on bench pressing. My max is around 425 lbs. I really work my legs and triceps.
Monty Tucker
I try to pick a good pitch to hit, turn on the ball, and get my arms extended. If I can do those three things, then I'll be successful.
Jeff Wallace
Q: What advice could you give the average player to help him become a better hitter? A: Alot of hard work. Take plenty of BP and hit the gym. Q: How can a player with good power and takes alot of BP, but isn't hitting the ball out of the park as often as he'd like, become more consistant in the HR category? A: Sometimes it could be as simple as changing your bat weight, which will either slow down or speed up your swing just enough. Q: What kind of workouts or exercises do you do to help increase your power and bat speed? A: Alot of tricep and leg work. Q: Can you give an example of your average workout, such as weight and reps? A: I do a full body workout. 2 days on, 1 off, 2 on and weekends off. I train every body part, work extra hard on tri-ceps and legs. Do low weight, high reps for endurance. Q: What kind of workout could you suggest to the player with warning track power? A: Work harder on triceps and legs.
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This article is taken from Jeff's Hitting Tips Page. What do you do when it's your turn at the plate? Do you follow a plan? Do you have a strategy? Does that strategy change in different situations? Or do you just get up there and try to make contact?
I believe it's important to have a plan every time you step up to the plate. Next time it's your turn to bat, think about what goes on in your head.
Here's a checklist I use every time it's my turn to hit:
- What's the pitcher's arc like.
- What's the umpire's strike zone like.
- How is the ground in the batter's box. Usually I'll stand where I'm most comfortable, then depending on the pitcher's pitches and the strike zone of the umpire, I'll make adjustments from there.
- What are the elements, ie. wind and sun.
- How are the fielders positioned.
- What is the current game situation, ie. what runners are on base, what's the score, and what is my minimum job.
- What are the tournament rules.
Some of these points you address before you step into the box. For example, if there's a strong wind blowing in, maybe you can't go yard; so instead try to hit hard line drives. If there is tough sun for the fielders, always run hard. A routine fly ball to left field could end up being a double. Look at the defensive alignment. If one fielder is too deep, a ground ball in their direction could end up being an easy double. Also, pay close attention to where the strong and weak arms are in the field.
Determine what your minimum job is at the plate depending on the current situation. It's great to hit home runs, deep line drives etc., but let's face it; no one can do that all the time. If there's a runner on second with none out, your minimum job is to advance that runner to third. Likewise, with less than two outs with a runner on third, your minimum job is to hit a deep fly ball for a sacrifice. You get the idea. Always know what your minimum job is.
Be ready for this situation. I'm amazed how many times I see this throughout the season: You are leading off the inning, the pitcher delivers the ball, and one of the outfielders is not ready. Usually, hitters may choose to take the first pitch, but in this case it may be applicable to swing away and try to hit in the direction of the out-of-position fielder.
So you've assessed the situation and now you step into the batter's box. Now what are you doing? Here are some tips that may help:
- Keep your hands loose.
- Don't be oxygen deprived. Breathe!
- Try not to squint. Open your eyes!
- Get comfortable in the batter's box.
- Don't fall into the trap of allowing the pitcher to "quick-pitch". You control the timing. Don't be afraid to call time and step out or do some grounds keeping to get set in the batter's box.
- Don't grit your teeth. As crazy as it sounds, relax your face.
- Keep your mouth slightly open. You'll have a greater chance of not blinking so much.
- Focus on the ball leaving the pitcher's hand.
- Between pitches, visualize success. Tell yourself that you will win this battle.
Finally, try this technique. Are you ever nervous? When you are nervous or outright scared, what happens is that the blood in your body rushes inward towards your major organs. Hence, your hands and arms may feel weak and shake. In the on-deck circle, squeeze and release your hands on your bat. Do this several times. This will pump more blood towards your hands so they won't feel as shaky. (This also works while playing pool! When it's your turn to try to sink the eight ball for that twenty dollar bet and you're nervous as heck.)
Develop an awareness of these points next time you do batting practice. There are a lot of points here to consider at first. When the ball leaves the pitcher's hands, ideally you shouldn't be "thinking". Your goal is react naturally with the end result being that you'll apply a mechanically sound and strong swing on the right pitches to hit in such a way that the ball comes off your bat with the maximum speed possible.
I'm sure you've heard the statement, "in the zone". Many times you'll make a play or produce a hit and it seems like you were "unconscious" while doing it. That's the mental frame of mind you want to be in all the time. The points discussed above are checklist items you should be aware of. However, once the pitcher starts his/her delivery, clear your mind and usually good things will happen.
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This article is taken from Jeff's Hitting Tips Page. What batting stance should one use? You've heard of and maybe tried the numerous types of stances: open, closed, feet wide apart, feet closer together, hands held high or low, etc.
It's a good idea in batting practice to experiment with different stances until you find the one you are most comfortable with. Before we talk about batting stances further, let's examine hitting in its purest form:
Hitting a ball is moving the barrel of the bat through the strike zone at its maximum force.
I believe one must adopt a stance and posture that enables you to strike through the ball out in front of your body with the maximum force. To do this successfully here are a few key points to consider:
Imagine you are a coiled spring waiting to unleash stored energy.
After you hit the ball, try to have most of your weight on your back foot. This will ensure a balanced swing.
Your knees should be slightly bent with most of your weight on the balls of your feet.
Batting is a stroke, much like a golf swing. Hold the bat more in your fingers than in the palm of your hand and hold the bat loosely. This will increase bat speed.
Try to sense and feel the energy in your bat.
Visualize points in these areas: the sweet spot of your bat, your hands, the center of your stomach, and your feet. When you find the posture and stance you feel enables you to swing through the ball at a maximum force with accuracy, remember the feel and positions of these points. Once you feel a sense of balance and synergy between these points, you have probably found a stance that will work best for you.
Remember that every human being is built differently. That is why players adopt different stances and make modifications throughout the years. Try to keep it simple. Always remember the basic definition of hitting: the barrel of the bat strikes through the ball at its maximum force. If you're struggling, video tape your swing or have someone watch where you make contact with the ball. Ideally, it should be slightly out in front of your front foot.
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This article is taken from basesloadedsoftball.com
Building bat speed is a crucial part in hitting a softball. In this section we will talk about a few drills that will add some muscle to your bat speed.
If you want to train to build better bat speed, then you need to pump up your forearms. Weighted forearm curls is one exercise that will help develop some strength neede for bat speed. Sit on a bench or chair, and with forearm and palm facing up, curl the weight. Use a slow and deliberate motion for a count of 20 on each forearm. Perform three sets and you will begin to feel the burn.
Another good exercise is weighted wrist curls. Yes, that is the exercise that uses the wooden bar with a long rope attached to a weight. You talk about building some powerful forearms, this is the exercise. Begin with your arms extended outward. With the weight and rope in front of you. Hoist the rope by alternating your wrists in a curling fashion. Once you roll the weight up to the bar, you are halfway home. Next, roll the weight down to the floor. At this point your grip and forearms are on fire. Do this for three sets. This is an awesome off-season training tool for your forearms.
One other exercise that you may want to try is called "speed bats". This drill consists of swinging the bat back and forth as fast as you can for a 30 second count. Now 30 seconds may not sound like a long time, but perform this drill 3-5 times and you will definitely feel the blood circulating in your arms.
Try a few of these exercises if you are looking to add power and bat speed to your game. But make sure your teams budget for new softballs is good, because you may be going yard a whole lot!
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(3/14/2001) My softball tip is.......Soft Toss-I learn this from the Tennessee baseball coach. If right handed get down on your right knee and extend your left leg out like you have strided, with left foot flat. Have somone toss you the ball like regular soft toss, use your left hand only first then when you get tired use your right hand, then if you get real good look at the screen or fence in this position and have someone toss you the ball in front of you toward the fence and see if you can catch up with it before it gets by you. You will be amazed with the results, The coachs name is Rod Delmonico and he has some books out at the book stores. Tip submitted by: Mark Muir - Stockbridge, GA
(1/11/2001) My softball tip is.......WHEN PLAYING THE OUTFIELD, START AT THE FENCE AND SPRINT 3 SECONDS TOWARDS THE INFIELD AND THEN STOP. THAT IS THE AREA YOU SHOULD BE PLAYING UNDER MOST CIRCUMSTANCES. IT MAY LOOK A LITTLE CLOSER THAN YOU ARE USED TO PLAYING, BUT IT GIVES YOU A GOOD ADVANTAGE ON MOST BALLS. ANY BALL THAT GETS PAST YOU FROM THIS POSITION IS EITHER OVER THE FENCE, OR IT WAS REALLY TATOOD AND YOU PROBABLY WASNT GOING TO CATCH IT ANYWAY! TRY IT OUT, YOULL BE SURPRISED HOW MANY MORE BALLS YOULL MAKE A PLAY ON!!!!! Tip submitted by: Jonathan St.Clair - West Monroe, LA
(12/24/2000) My softball tip is.......for those of you how are outfielders pick up racquetball as a hobby. In my opinion racquetball has helped improve my lateral quickness. I am now able to get a quicker jump on the ball which in turn I am able to get to balls now that I couldn't get to before. Tip submitted by: Jackie - Hazard, KY
My softball tip is.......I believe that timing is important to agood swing and hit. While waiting on deck get yourself a side view of the pitcher and count to yourself how long the pitch takes to make it to the plate once it leaves the pitchers hand. In slow pitch, I found that in most cases it takes about three seconds. When your at bat watch the pitcher release the ball and count to yourself to three, then if it is in your zone swing the bat. A lot of people see a slow pitch softball that looks as fatas a beachball and swing too early. They usually end up strinking out or chopping the ball. Tip submitted by: Troy - Piscataway, NJ
My softball tip is.......first if your not swinging a good bat like worth easton ddw or tps,get your self a good bat,make sure you dont let the sells man sell you to heavy of a bat.i did swing a 26oz bat for a long time.but i found out if you will get a oz over what you swing now and take lots of bp,you will find that your swing speed my not be the same,but you will be hitting the ball farther than before.you can only hit the ball so far if you dont have the weight behind your swing.now go hit some bombs.....good luck all. Tip submitted by: Jason Durham - Nashville, TN
My softball tip is.......The three basic steps to a swing are STEP, PIVOT, and RELEASE. Sounds simple, but many players don't follow these steps. In order to hit the ball hard everytime up, you must use your entire body and swing with the power generated by legs, hips, upperbody, and finally arms. I like to think of my swing as being like an uncoiling spring. If you use these three steps you should feel the resistance in your lower back and upper arms. After you step into the pitch, pivot your rear leg on the balls of your rear foot. Keep your hand back as your hips atomatically open due to the pivot of your rear foot. When your hips open and your hands stay back, explode with all the force your body creates by this spring like twisting. Just three steps done correctly will greatly increase your power. PS... Hit your pitch!!! Pitch selection is everything when trying to drive the ball! Tip submitted by: Rick Stepina - York, PA
My softball tip is....... keep your bat off your hips at the plate. The energy used in bringing the bat from your waist UP to your shoulder to THEN start your swing wastes valuable power as well as time needed to adjust to a pitch with movement. Have your teammates watch you at the plate. Make sure you're hands aren't low near your belt while in your stance. Also, practice getting out of the box after contact. You'll be surprised how many infield balls you can beat out and throwing errors you can force. Have fun out there this season! Tip submitted by: Scott - New York City
My softball tip is....... when you are trying to improve your game make sure you seek out the best and most knowledgeable person available to you. Somebody that has done some winning on a competative level. You have to work in the off season . To get on a good team you better know somebody so don't burn bridges with a bad attitude. Tip submitted by: Troy Narron - Fayetteville, NC
My softball tip is.......When you step into a pitch (while Batting) try pointing your front toe forward. When your front foot hits the ground it should be pointed at the pitcher. It might not feel natural at first but it will help you open your hips and generate more bat speed. Tip submitted by: Joe Havrilla - Lancaster, PA
My softball tip is.......An inexpensive way to create resistance for training / building swinging muscles is to attach a box lid to the end of a bat and use it as a large fan. Take an old aluminum bat and saw off the last few inches, this removes enough weight from the bat to account for the weight added by the box lid and material used to hold the lid in place. Then attach a box lid to the end of the bat. The lid from a box of paper reams works well. Cut a hole in one of the long sides of the box lid to put the bat through. The lid can be attached with tape or by drilling a hole in the side of the business end of the bat and using a small bolt and stiff plastic backing to hold the box in place or use your own ingenuity. Now when you swing this "fan" resistance to your swing increases with the speed of your swing while the weight of the bat is essentially unchanged. The resistance created by this "fan" can also be increased by increasing either the size of the lid or the distance the lid is from the handle. This trianing works well in combination with a whiffle ball bat used to increase bat speed. Tip submitted by: Mike C. - Pittsburgh, PA
My softball tip is.......Everyone talks it not many do it- Total concentration-Watching ball from pitchers hand to bat-Muscle memory workout using broomstick across shoulders work on abs,open foot stride and hip rotation on back toes between workout sets (10reps). Off days swing regular bat 5sets-10reps with intensity, keeping both hands on bat during follow through.It soon becomes something you don't have to think about. Just see ball,hit ball. Tip submitted by: Rankin Johnson - Williamsport, PA
My softball tip is......is an exercise to really bring your legs into your swing.This exercise is not done against pitching,its to develop good mechanics.Hold your bat normally as you would in a game,then drop your top hand to your side,now swing the bat through your power zone.The only way to swing the bat is to start the swing with the legs,and the only way to get any speed is to drive the legs and rotate the hips.This really isn't my tip,it's my high school baseball coach's,who said my swing stunk,until I utilized this exercise. Tip submitted by: Jim Kight - Ft. Worth, TX
My softball tip is to help make better contact with the ball. Before each game, I get a teammate to underhand pitch plastic golfballs to me. I use the bat I am going to use in the game. Four things occur with this drill. One, you loosen up your muscles. Two, you get use to the weight of the bat. Three, your helping your ability to make good contact with the ball. Four, you can tell by the spin of the plastic ball if your batspeed is too slow, too fast, or just right. The plastic golfballs can be bought anywhere, and it requires little space (30 ft or so). Plus its cheap, easy, and DOESN'T HARM YOUR BAT. Tip submitted by: Joey Bower - Dublin, VA
My softball tip is.......check out the glove guard it will add years to your expensive glove. Tip submitted by: Chuck - Kansas City, MO
My softball tip is.......a way to make your first at bat of a game more productive! While the other team's pitcher is warming up before the first inning, go over to home plate and stand just outside the batter's box. Visualize that you are actually batting, but obvously "taking" these pitches. Getting this close-up look at the other pitcher's release, delivery, arc, spin, etc., will only make you more comfortable and productive when you step in there for real a few minutes later! Tip submitted by: Jim Ramsey - Charlotte, NC
My softball tip is......Hips and rotation are power. Workout for garage or similar location. Stand facing plate or glove an ground in your regular stance. (ex:right handed batter) Put bat behind your back, with knob of bat in bend of left arm and bat sticking out your right arm bend. Bat is sticking out behind you. Now have someone softtoss wiffleballs to you from location that you have to stride into ball with open stride and quick hip rotation to hit ball back toward game pitcher position. Just quicken stride to try and pull it. Great workout to quicken hips into ball, when there's weather like here part of the year. You will find out you can't land with a closed front foot. You will see an improvement in hip rotation mechanics, during regular game swings. If the rest of your mechanics are there a distance increase in games is very likely. Only one way to find out. Tip submitted by: Rankin Johnson - Willaimsport, PA
My softball tip is.......Your hands, if they are not in the proper position your not going to get the good follow through you must have to obtain the constant bat head speed ! Back to basics check out that grip! Tip submitted by: Dennis - Beaverton, OR
My softball tip is.....I don't care what these tips say, just do your best and go with what is the most comfortable for you. Tip submitted by: Tannen Hembree - Mesa, AZ
My softball tip is....... use the grip that Jerry suggests on this website. I introduced it to my team this week and the news of the new found power spread through my school like wild fire. Also, make sure you're using batting gloves. You can really hurt your hands otherwise. Tip submitted by: Abby Corbett - Davenport, FL
My softball tip is.......for slow folk like myself who are not on their feet all day....try wearing ankle weights at the office on game day. Theoretically speaking; when you take off the weights before game time; you ought to be rather sprite-like on the base paths! I haven't tried this yet...the thought occurred to me over the weekend while doing Legs of Steel with Gilad...but if you time it just right (don't want to waste your legs so they are spaghetti by game time)...it has a chance to be effective. Tip submitted by: Coach K - Detroit, MI
My softball tip is.......The overlap grip (a la Wendall Rickard) works well for getting the ball in the air, but I question whether this is good for everyone. I've been playing since 1965 and was introduced to the overlap grip in 1982. I had been using a three finger top hand grip and now use a modification with my top index finger on the bat. To keep the ball down, I may go to a two finger top hand. Carl Rose interlocks his index fingers as another approach. Experiment with it, but it's not for everyone... a lot of great hitters still use a conventional grip. Tip submitted by: Dr. D. - Dallas, TX
My softball tip is.......To shut up! and play smart softball. Always give 100% and have fun is the only way to improve your game. If you need batting tips you shouldn't be playing. I am only 5'6 160lbs and can go yard already have two HR. Patience and a grunt is the key. Tip submitted by: Matty - Oak Harbor, WA
My softball tip is...on all new and exsisting Demarini bats, if you'll use ½ inch black electrical tape on the end of the barrel, you will avoid scratching the bat, and it will avoid cracking. Two wraps around and fold the tape in, since the bat is black, it will go unoticed %99 of the time and it will protcect your investment. Tip submitted by: Jimmy Allen - Nashua, NH
My softball tip is.......First, approach everything you try or do with a very good understanding of your strengths and limitations. Improve on what you're not good at and maximize your strengths !! If you're not a home run hitter on a 300ft field, don't try to become one. Strive to hit 1.000 with a couple of homers. Michael Jordan realized he couldn't play baseball so what did he do ? All the techniques and tips are great, but if you're not devoted, really devoted, you won't put the time into it necessary to become a better player. You should spend as much time as possible thinking of and visualizing your perfect swing, your mental approach is key while developing muscle memory, strength and physically practicing the right things. Also, we all kind of take this for granted but the proper rest and nutrition is critical for your endurance and performance. Important... don't wait for great results to gain confidence, learn how to supply your own confidence and keep a good supply on hand because like any sport, softball can be very humbling, so don't get too high when you hit that monster game winning homer or go 8 for 8 and don't get too low when you pop-up with the last AB with your team down by 1 run ! Finally, always know that you can succeed and get much better than you are in anything ! Endeavor and go for it ! Tip submitted by: Drew Brown - Colorado Springs, CO
My softball tip is.......I tried boiling my DDW for about 15to20 mins then put it in ice water. It pops out most of the dents if it is not to bad. Make sure you have aleast a 14in pot. Tip submitted by: Todd - Pensacola, FL
My softball tip is.......That a SMART softball pitcher always keeps a fingernail clipper in their ball bag. I played for 31 years and have coached HS and college the past six and many many times a pitcher has asked for a nail clipper. It really comes in handy. Tip submitted by: John Dumaw - Rochester, NY
My softball tip is....... Be a smart player. Remember that softball is a team sport. Depending on the level of competition you're playing (homerun limit), a homerun might not be your best swing. Know the strenghts of the batters behind you and don't be afraid to set the table. Also, have an understanding of when to go up the middle and when not to (one of my pet peeves). One final thought, it is a game, don't become totally consumed. Tip submitted by: Danny Choate - Tampa, FL
My softball tip is.......never run after a ball in the air with your glove up in position to catch the ball. Run with your arms in the postion you would if you were running a sprint, then at the last possible moment put your glove up to catch the ball once you get to it or under it. This will allow you to be faster and you will have much better balance. Everyone should already know this one but I am always surprised by how many players I see run after a ball with their glove raised up. Tip submitted by: Chris M. - White House, TN
My softball tip is.......to help improve bat speed - special soft toss drill-if you are righthanded, get on your right knee and extend your left leg out like you have strided and start with your chin in front of your left shoulder and grip the bat with your left hand and do one arm softosses. Also, upon contact your chin should be hitting in front of your left shoulder, do this until your forearm says no more. Tip submitted by: Mark Muir - Stockbridge, GA
My softball tip is.......Pay attention to where the batters hit each time around so you can adjust you or your teammates to a better defensive position.Give yourself every advantage possible.It`s all about winning!!! Tip submitted by: Bryan Boddie - Shreveport, LA
My softball tip is.......The best way to make it big is to learn every position, don't stick to just one. CF, RF, LF, SS, and Pitcher will be playing different positions. It is great if you do good in the field, but if you can bat too. You will have it made and will find yourself as the Coach's pet. Keep a good attitude at all times. WINNING is NOT everything (but winning is great!). Have a good time. You won't do any good if you don't enjoy what you are doing. Tip submitted by: Jill Horne - Eastman, GA
My softball tip is.......While you are batting, don't look at the pitchers head or the ball. If the pitcher is right handed, look at their right knee or if the pitcher is left handed look at their left knee, because that is where the ball is released. Tip submitted by: Stacey - Union, SC
My softball tip is.......I have a problem with dropping my hands, and re-starting my swing causing me to lose power. My tip is to keep my elbow against my side of my abs this seems to help. If any one knows anything to add to this please send it in. Tip submitted by: Clint - Conyers, GA
My softball tip is....... when you get up to bat, and the pitcher is slower than you are use to put your foot that is closest to the pitcher in toward your other foot. So now your foot that is closest to the pitcher is facing in. This slows you down, because it doesn't let you open up fast. Tip submitted by: Jaymee - NV
My softball tip is.......The bunt is another way of hitting, if you areright handed then try the left hand bunt this is a good way to improve you bunting technique all the more you do is take a step into the pitchand this already starts off the runing position while you hit & after you hit (bunt) the ball. Tip submitted by: Coach McLeod - Charlotte, MI
(6/15/2001) When pitching(Slowpitch), after releasing the ball watch the batter and not the ball going through the zone. It will give you a chance to see which way the batter is hitting and will help you see the ball coming off the bat quicker. Also use the whole pitchers plate to stand on.. hang off the ends to really squeeze and inside/outside pitch on your opponent.. Happy and Safe pitching all. (Derek Jee, June 2001) Tip submitted by: Delboy-London, United Kingdom
(8/30/2001) To hit for power: start with your bat behind your back shoulder, as you swing, focus on driving the knob of the bat into the pitchers chest. This keeps the barrel of the bat behind, letting your hips turn first. Your arms will naturally follow thru. It does work. Tip submitted by: hurricane-highland hghts., ky usa
(11/13/2001) to increase bat speed you need a heavy bat a medium and a lightweight bat.really all you do is do bat curls with your wrists. First start light then go heavy.You want to really burn the muscles in your forearms.Swing a heavy bat with one arm this gets your arms real strong.im only 6 3 180 pounds and can hit a 16' softball over 300 ft. Because of strenth in your wrists,when you learn how to put your hands through the zone the bat becomes a whip,this results in unbievable power that you didnt think you had.Work on your forearms and you will see results,I did so maybe you can too. Tip submitted by: pepe-chicago, ill united states
(5/7/2002) When u are going up to Bat make sure your knees are bent and when u go to swing the bat u turn your back foot to get more power! Tip submitted by: Jen-,
(6/27/2002) Actually i need some tips - we have NO good slowpitch pitchers and I can find nothing that gives me a good basis for training them so that they can consistantly deliver strikes. Any help? karenlcox66@hotmail.com Tip submitted by: Karen-Schaumburg, IL USA
(9/3/2002) especially if you have recently played baseball...(or should still be, but are to lazy like me so i settle for softball)...smack basehits all day long. how hard is it???? the ball is coming in all slow and shit. linedrives. set that table. for the big boys. peace. Tip submitted by: SONICWOMBAT-mullica hill, nj usa
(9/18/2002) Im 6ft 3 285 i get a heavy duty duffle bag fill it full of sand duck tape it real good and swing away real good for power and bat speed make sure you tape it so no water can get in it will harden the sand and it will be like hitting a rock guru Tip submitted by: guru-morristown, tn usa
(1/26/2003) I Really just started playing and im about to tryout out this week to be on the softball team. My tip is, like me, i try to have fun with the game and be around the best players. Don't be a follower but set an example and be a leader.Always remember, It's okay to lose, just have fun what you do! :) Thanks and good luck finding tips! Tip submitted by: Andrea-Houston, Tx USA
(1/29/2003) batting drills.coaching drills Tip submitted by: shakes-PIETERSBURG, S.A south africa
(3/26/2003) When running the bases, always make sure that you are alert and have your head in the game.Listen and watch your base coaches as they instruct you. You must be alert and ready to run. When stealing to another base, make sure you leave early but not too early.Right when the pitch is released, you are gone.Don't wait adn stand around and then decide to go.Run full force as soon as the ball is released.Be aggresive and play intense but remember to have FUN. Tip submitted by: Em-Hedgesville, WV
(5/9/2003) When Bating bend over and out your elbos over your Knees. Tip submitted by: Bean-Point Pleasent beach, NJ USA
(6/3/2003) to always have a lot of fun and pratice alot everyday ok g2g buh- bye HOLLA!! Tip submitted by: luda-somewhere not telling ya, ga whats crackin
(7/3/2003) to help if your nervous. If your nervous in the on deck circle squeeze your bat 4-5 times Tip submitted by: maria-albany, ny united states
(7/13/2003) Before and after the game you should be pumped up. If you and your team are just warming up quietly the other team won't be worried.You yell,cheer,scream and all that stuff the other team will be worried! Also have a good attitude threw the whole gameand you should be ready.And if you make a mistake Oh my gosh DON'T cry. You strikeout that's fine.One more thing THERE IS NO I IN TEAM. Tip submitted by: Kris-Dale City, Va Woodbridge
(7/7/2004) Don't take your eye's off the ball, and always make contact with the ball. Tip submitted by: T-Baby-Howard, KS America
(7/7/2004) When you swing the bat you don't want to dip down. Always swing level. And don't swing at anything over your head. Make sure it is in your strike zone. Try to focus on the bottom of the ball. It helps to also focus on the pitcher's hip, that's gonna help youon where the strike zone eventhough you know that your strike zone is from your knees to your shoulders. Tip submitted by: Tasha -Kansas City, KS USA
(8/20/2004) FOR ALL YOU YOUNG PLAYERS OUT THERE DON'T QUIT JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN'T GET SOMETHING DOWN THE FIRST DAY. JUST KEEP TRYIN' YOU WILL ONEDAY FIGURE IT OUT. IF YOU REALLY LIKE THE SPORT THEN YOU'LL KEEP TRYIN' TILL YOU GET IT. ME I LOVE THE SPORT AND I LIKE TO BE THE CATCHER ON MY TEAM. AT FIRST I COULDN'T DO IT RIGHT SO I WORKED AND WORKED ON IT AND NOW I AM ONE OF THE CATCHERS ON MY TEAM. Tip submitted by: T-Bear-, OK USA
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Shown above is the grip used by Wendell Rickard of Lighthouse/Worth. It is the latest "trend" in softball and quite honestly one of the best new ideas to come down the pike since the game has been invented. I don't know who came up with the idea, but it works ! The principle behind this is that it gives your swing more leverage, and leverage equals power ! The basics behind this is to grip the bat with your bottom hand and have your pinky off the end of the bat. Next place your top hand OVER your bottom hand with only the point between your thumb and index finger on the bat. As you swing, you pull with your bottom hand while you push with your top hand. Using this grip requires several months of practice. Starting off, you should probably just practice with a wiffle ball bat. This will allow you to see how it feels without the danger of the bat coming loose. As you swing the bat, your hands should be loose at all times. Then as your hands come around your top hand should be allowed to "fall off" naturally on it's own and allow the bottom hand to continue around with the follow through. The Ultimate Bat Speed video by Ray DeMarini spends a few minutes showing you this grip. Now that I have been using it for 4 months, I can't go back to my old swing because it feels too awkward ! This should tell you that it is working. I have also noticed a definite increase in power. Give it a try and see how it works.
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