Softball Hitting Drills

Softball is a direct descendant of baseball. The one major difference is that the ball used in softball is bigger than the ball in the baseball. Softball players too have their drills, which are done to enhance their level of the game, as any other game. These drills are there for every aspect of the game from pitching to fielding to batting or hitting, to be softball specific.

Softball Batting Drills

# 1
A player's top hand is a very crucial aspect of how well the ball is hit. So, this drill helps the players work upon and understand the importance of top hand. The purpose, is therefore to hit the ball on a line to the field opposite. There is a feeder sitting behind an L-shaped screen approximately 10 feet away from the plate. The hitter stands in front of the screen on the plate. The ball is thrown by the feeder on the outer end of the plate for the batter to hit. The ball is then hit by the batter to the opposite field, punctuating the use of top hand. This is one of the basic softball hitting drills for beginners.

# 2
If a player has to work on curbing the upper cut swing, this is the drill which can help sort out that issue. Here the coach keeps the stands right behind each other on the double tee and then places a softball on each. The player takes a stance alongside the double tee, all set for hitting the ball back up in the middle. The player then hits the softball straight ahead, after a trigger, stride and swing.

# 3
For developing speed and a strong lead arm, coaches often make the players do this drill. This drill involves the batter taking a stance sans the bat. Simultaneously, the lead hand is in a normal position and the thumb is up. A line is drawn by the batter across the chest, followed by an extension towards the ball. This is one of very effective fast pitch softball drills.

# 4
Narrowing down of the focus in the process of grooving the swing, is the objective of this drill. The softball hitting mechanics in this drill go something like this. A feeder is positioned around 10 feet away, just off the player's front knee. The cocking action of the batter is initiated by the feeder by the drop of his hands, just a split second prior to flipping the plastic golf ball. The catch here is that the player has to hit the ball using a broomstick or hit stick and drive the ball into net. The key is to completely focus on the ball and hit it square.

# 5
Here the players play a proper softball game and when a game is tied in extra innings, a base runner is stationed on the second base for commencing a fresh innings. Now, at this juncture, the teams have a fabulous chance to score and win the game. The hitter has one at bat for helping the runner reach home. Then the coach may direct the players to play as if there were 2 outs, for starters. A base-dominant scenario is created where hitters as well as runners go up one base every time there is a reasonably good swing. This leads to participation of maximum players possible.

There are a few more of these, but let the coaches tell you that! Let's get some quick tips.

Softball Hitting Tips

• One of the basic thing about slow pitch hitting drills is to have patience, that means observing the ball till it crosses the plate before the ball is hit.
• Fast pitch hitting drills are all about developing quick reflexes and responses to the pitch, as the mound and home plate are closer in softball than baseball.
• Never ever move your eyes away from the ball, followed by taking the bat off your shoulder and then swinging hard at the appropriate time.
• Ensure that you are maintaining a good balance.

That was all! I hope the softball aficionados would find it helpful!