Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters: Often Forgotten Tips for Producing Game Ready Hitters

I just wanted to share two very basic, yet often overlooked, tips for hitting practice. By Stacie Mahoe

Tip #1 – Practice Running

When you practice hitting, practice GETTING OUT OF BOX ON EVERY SINGLE SWING. Especially at the younger age level, often times in practice, we just have them stay in the box and swing at a set number of pitches. Maybe we have them run on the last hit. Then in the game we wonder why they “forget” to run after they hit the ball. It’s probably because in 80%-90% of the swings they take in the box during practice we don’t have them run. So they practice not running after they hit a ball more than they practice running after making contact with the ball. Which do you think will be their “habit” come game time?

Tip #2 – Take Enough Swings

How many swings do your batters get in practice? Consider the fact that pitchers pitch 100 or more pitches per day for practice. Hitters should take at least as many swings preferably off a tee if not against live pitching. But maybe your team doesn’t have the capability to have each player take that many cuts off a tee or live pitching during practice. Some teams only have one tee, do not have the luxury of a batting cage, and have only 1 or 2 players/coaches that are capable of pitching live to players. Here are some suggestions of different ways you can have players get all those cuts in.

Visualization

Have players get into their stance with the bat and visualize a pitcher pitching to them. They should go through their routine of starting outside the batters box then stepping in and getting ready for the pitch. Have them “see” the ball being pitched to different spots (inside high, inside low, outside high, outside low, etc) and take cuts at the different pitches they are “seeing.” They should visualize solid contact with each pitch and use the proper swing to hit the ball coming in the different locations. If they do 5 pitches at each location list above, they will get in 20 swings with this one drill.

Soft Toss

Whether you have a net or you have to soft toss into the field, this is another way players can get some swings. If you do have to soft toss into the field because you do not have a net, set up two stations to run at once. Just be sure that the tossers do not toss the ball at the same time. This gets more swings in a shorter period of time compared to live pitching because batters should be able to hit every tossed ball whereas in live pitching, they may not be swinging if the pitch is not good.

Wiffle Balls

Have a couple of stations where the players hit wiffle balls. You can soft toss these if you want, but it’s probably better to pitch them to the batters. Distance between the pitcher and the batter should be close (10-15 ft). This is a little quicker than hitting live with regular balls because you can set up 2-3 stations vs. having just one player hit live at the plate with real balls. Plus wiffles don’t go as far so it’s easier and faster to shag all the balls.

Soft/Sponge/Nerf Balls

Use these types of balls for live hitting. Some are the same color and size as regular balls, but they don’t go as far so it’s easier and quicker to shag than live balls. Plus if you’re having a coach pitch to the players, the coach can stand closer using these soft balls and probably get more accuracy leading to less “wasted” pitches where the batters don’t swing because the pitch isn’t good.

Hit Live in the Cage

If you do have the luxury of a batting cage, do your live hitting in the cage. That way, you don’t have to have the whole team shagging while just a few get to go through hitting stations. More players can be getting some of their 100 swings in instead of standing on the field waiting for balls to maybe come to them.

Those are just a few ideas to get you started. If you do have the capability it’s always great to allow your pitchers to pitch to your hitters. It helps make the pitchers stronger so long as you’re not telling them to “just let the batters hit.” And it makes the batters stronger, again, that’s only if you’re having your pitchers throw their best stuff. If you do have a machine and a cage, that’s a great way to get a number of cuts in within a shorter time frame. Even if you don’t have a cage, using a machine can cut down on time because players should be able to swing at just about every pitch. However, it’s no substitute for live hitting so don’t just rely on the machine. Live hitting is an important part of hitting practice. After all, it’s the type situation you expect your players to perform in during the game. It’s only fair that you put them in a similar situation in practice.

One last thing, don’t rush your hitters through their 100+ swings. Why? Because that’s not game-like. In a game, they see a pitch, have about a 10 second break, then see another pitch, then have a break, and so on. They aren’t going to be taking 5 swings in the span of 10 or 20 seconds. In at least some of your hitting drills, allow your hitters to take a good swing, get out of their stance, reset, get ready again, then take another swing. Even if they have 30 seconds between each swing, 100 swings will take less than an hour. So don’t rush. Let them have quality swings with breaks in between, just like game time.

Article by Stacie Mahoe
Sign up for Stacie's Free Softball Tips at http://www.FreeFastpitchTips.com.
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Performance Enhancing Softball Hitting Tips

www.SoftballrUs.com

One of the most difficult and most strenuous roles in the softball field is the role of a hitter. The hitter can definitely make or break a game. That is why it is very important to engage in holistic and softball hitting specific drills and tips to help the players deliver devastating hits and win the team a lot of scores and home-runs.


By Marc Dagenais

The very basic softball hitting tips that needs to be put into mind all the time is to practice the swing. Practicing the proper and most efficient way of swinging the bat is the base skill that softball hitters must know and develop. Hold the bat with your fingers and a lot less with your palms. The fingers give you extra control of the bat. Use your palms for support.

Another softball tip to try out is to find your hitting style and technique. This is essential as being comfortable with your hitting style and technique determines the success of your hits. 50% of the wining hit relies on your mastery of that swing that is why it is highly crucial to stick to the swing your most comfortable and in-tune with.

If you want to be able to hit really effective, a softball hitting tip to remember is to know what the pitcher is thinking. Analyze his or her movements carefully and use that to make your move. If the pitcher seems to be preparing for an underhand and low toss then shift your bat angle and weight. It is all about countering and assuming.

If you want to excel and improve your hitting skills, it is quite vital for you to find the best and right softball bat. Remember that a hitter's weapon in the filed of softball is his or her softball bat. Not all softball hitters need the same bat, bat's are completely relative to the user that is why it is vital for you to make the right decision.

A softball tip when in pursuit of purchasing a softball bat is to look for one which is bout as long as your dominant arm. This is because having a bat that is about the length of your dominant arm will give you a sense of being one or in other words, just like having an extended arm. This will help to maximize your hitting skills especially if accompanied with the right hitting drills, practices, and games.

Softball hitting tips such as complete devoting your focus and power in the swing is very vital indeed. Make your every single softball swing count by thinking about where to drive the ball and what angle the ball is heading. Keep your head in the game but in this case, keep your head on the ball.

Also try to improve your mental focus. Softball hitting is quite an arduous job indeed because it entails hitting a fast flying ball mid-air. Engage in focus enhancing drills to help you cope with fast pitch hitting in softball. Remember that a healthy mind is a vessel for physical success whether in the sport of softball or not.

These are just some of the performance enhancing softball hitting tips to try out. The key is to practice, practice, and practice swinging and mastering the bat. Use all that you can you and forget the uncontrollable when hitting a softball.

Marc Dagneais is Softball Peak Performance Coach that helps softball players turn their athletic talent into extraordinary performances and help coaches get more out of their players, turn their struggling team around or get an edge over their opponents. Visit us to access our directory of FREE softball drills!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marc_Dagenais

Softball Batting Drills

By Marc Dagenais

Ask any softball coach, and they'll tell you that softball pitching and hitting are the two most important areas of the game. Without one or the other, the chances of winning a game get very slim. So it's a very good idea that you take the time to practice hitting more than any other part of the sport, besides pitching if that's your role on the team. Here are some very good softball hitting drills that you can use to practice softball hitting:

Drill 1 - Back Knee Down

Purpose: To develop upper-body strength and quickness. The drill helps the player stop lunging by eliminating lower-body movement. The drill can reduce upper cutting. It emphasizes keeping the barrel above the hands and using correct timing.

Procedure: Use a low T for this drill. The hitter kneels on a towel with the back knee at a 90-degree angle, keeping the shoulders on a level plane. The drill can also be done off a soft toss. The player sees the bat hit the ball.

Drill 2 - Hitting Fungoes

Purpose: To develop proper hand action, weight shift, downward swing, and follow-through.

Procedure: Players who are waiting on deck hit fungoes to the fielders on their side of the infield. Include up to four hitters in each of the three hitting stations. Hitters rotate to the back of the line of another hitting station after taking a certain number of swings. After a complete rotation of the hitters through all three hitting stations, one line can rotate to the infield spots and the infielders can come in to bat. Concentrate on hitting the top half of the baseball with a short, downward swing.

Drill 3 - Draw a Line

Purpose: To practice moving the hands to the ball and to develop speed and a strong lead arm.

Procedure: The batter assumes her stance without a bat and with her lead hand in its normal position with the thumb up. The hitter draws a line across her chest and then extends to the ball.

Drill 4 - Snap Backs

Purpose: To develop quick hands, a small stride, and forearm and wrist strength.

Procedure: The partner stands six feet from the batter and tosses balls in rapid succession to the contact point of the strike zone. The hitter is standing up and drives one ball after another into a net by taking her swing and snapping the bat back to the starting position in preparation for the next toss.

Drill 5 - Quick Hands

Purpose: To develop quick hands, the backswing, and a compact swing.

Procedure: The tosser stands in front of the batter and behind a screen about 15 feet in front of the hitter. The batter starts with the bat pointing at the tosser and must quickly get the hands back and forward to hit the tossed ball.

Marc Dagenais is a softball peak performance coach that provides softball tips, softball drills, and information on techniques for hitting, pitching, coaching, and training through his blog at http://www.softballperformance.com/blog

He also helps softball players and coaches improves their game by sharing with them the tips and strategies used by the world's best softball players and coaches to achieve extraordinary performances. You can sign-up to get his FREE Softball Tips at http://www.softballperformance.com/softball-tips.html Go Sign-up Now!

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Softball Hitting Maximize Every Hit

By Marc Dagenais


Hitting a softball is most certainly one of the most difficult and stressful role to play when engaging in the softball sport. It is not simply a swing and hit basis... It involves a lot of focus, hand-eye coordination, equilibrium. These there are the basic requirements and usual softball hitting tips that professional softball coaches and players constantly take note of and try to achieve.

The first softball hitting tips to remember is to learn how to focus. By keeping your head very still and in the right direction and angle, one may obtain a higher focus which she will need in order to analyze and determine the speed, vector, and spin of the softball. These softball hitting tips on focus is really vital as without it the chances of landing a good or perhaps perfect hit will be so slim. That is why it is important to engage in drills and practices which targets concentration and visual and mental focus as much as possible.

Another invaluable softball hitting tips to consider is the coordination of the eyes and the hands. This is very vital for the success of a softball hit because the eye dictates when and where the hand and arm should move and strike. Once, the proper data has been incurred by the eyes as to the speed and direction of the softball it will send signals to the brain to direct the hands and arms to strike only at the right angle and moment. That is why without good hand-eye coordination, chances of scoring an amazing softball hit would be low.

Equilibrium or body balance is one of the softball hitting tips to put into place in hitting situations. By being completely grounded and balance, one will be able to exert the right amount of power and force as it hits the ball...This is achieved because the weight absorbs the impact as the ball and bat makes contact and because there is equilibrium the player can hit the softball with much power and grace without getting off balance.

Always keep those softball hitting tips in mind and heart because they will most definitely be of great help and assistance for you to be able to gain amazing softball hits.

Marc Dagenais is a softball peak performance coach that helps softball players and coaches improves their game by sharing with them the tips and strategies used by the world's best softball players and coaches to achieve extraordinary performances. Visit his site and sign-up to get his FREE softball hitting tips!

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A Better You with Softball Training Aids

www.SOFTBALLrUS.COM

By Marc Dagenais

Today, the surge of interest for softball is steadily increasing. Due to its wide popularity and well-publicized events, many are now into softball mania. Beginners, as well as the professionals do need to train. Beginners should train to learn and eventually master the skills needed in softball. The professional players need it for them to hone more of their skills and to keep at pace with their opponents.

In softball training, one should always do some routines to warm up themselves. This is a must in order to flex their muscles and stay away from any pains like muscle pain or back pains. Running, brisk walking, aerobics, and jogging are some of those routines. With softball training, exercising their arms, feet, and mind is required to wake up all those systems in the body.

While training, we use some tools or equipments in enhancing further our vigor, agility, stamina or speed. For a good softball player, just like any sports, one should have sound body and sound mind. Softball training aids like training bats, swing trainer, softball videos and power gloves and many more are made to help the coaches and the players to strengthen their abilities and serve as a substitute for those softball equipments.

No matter what position are you, one should really starts with batting. You don’t know, you might then be doing it at some point of time. Batting aids are used to challenge and force you to correct the problems when it comes to swinging. By using the available training bats, one might begin with a pitching machine that varies the speed and the height of the pitches. With this training, you will learn how to estimate how fast the balls are being pitched and how high are they. You can also try weight rings that will test your endurance and strength.

Then move on to throwing aids. Just like batting, throwing or pitching is also important in softball training. You can use the catch-all nets. These are just simple mesh screens that allow you to pitch at full speed towards a target. You can make use of cans as an alternative if there are no catch-nets. Place the cans in different heights and be it your target. Getting a throwing sleeve will also help by keeping your arm warm and correcting your pitching form as you throw.

Gripping the balls should also be a part of your softball training. Rotate the balls into some of your drills and exercises. The heavier balls force you to improve your strength. Plus, training balls are inexpensive ones.

Watch how the professionals play. Get some softball videos. They are great aids for training. By looking at their ways and techniques, one would always benefit from it. Find training videos that would teach how to do it the better way! Consider videoing yourself and compare it to the best players.

Same as other sports, the more you train your softball skills, the better you play. Softball training aids can help you improve your skills to a higher level by correcting your poor form, intensifying the drills and most important, allow you to practice by yourself!

Article Tags: Softball Training Aids, Softball Training, Training Aids

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Marc Dagenais, MHK, CSCS, is a softball strength coach that helps players and teams hit with more power, run faster, throw harder, be mentally tougher, and more dominant on the field. Get a FREE copy of my report on the Softball’s 10 Deadliest Training Mistakes at: http://www.softballperformance.com/conditioning

Greater ways on developing softball hitting stamina

Softball is a game that requires a lot of physical strength, focus, optimism and endurance. It also requires the ability of the mind to set some rules when it comes to the engagement of the new softball hitting tips. Part of the most exciting at the same time challenging task of any softball player is the ability to learn the different softball hitting drills, methods and techniques so that there will be an effective play in the softball field.

In order for you to play the softball hitting with full confidence, here are some of the tips that will help you realize more the excitement and challenge of the game.

There is a need to know the weight of the softball bat to be used so that you will be familiar with the armor during the entire game. It is a must that the power of the game relies greatly upon the kind of bat used in the softball hitting. You should be able to recognize the weight of your bat so that you will not have a hard time holding it and be able to hit the ball at a perfect hit. It will also be helpful to swing the bat many times before the actual game. Make yourself get used to its capabilities so that you know how to adjust your hitting capacity.

When you are hitting a ball, make sure also that your head is kept motionless. You should always make it a point that you focus your eyes and mind to the pitcher and the ball as well. Keeping your head still will also give you a strong hitting power.

Make your hands hassle-free. Relax. It is advised that all players must stay confident when they are already in the softball field. The right amount of confidence is needed in order to develop a strong disposition in the softball field. Holding the softball bat in a way that you are relaxed will offer you more takings and a stance that will be most beneficial to you.

Be familiar with your stance. You must learn to bend your knees. You must also bend forward. Keep this position together with the adequate balance. All players have their own style of hitting the ball. It is also required that you develop also a way on how you would probably make the best softball hitting position.

Customary hitting performances with your preferred bat will lend a hand in keeping you follow track on your swinging pace at the same time the pace of your ball after the hit. Practice is still the best way to make yourself become like a pro in the softball world.

Marc Dagenais, MHK, CSCS, is a softball peak performance coach that helps players and teams hit with more power, run faster, throw harder, become mentally tougher, and be more dominant on the softball field. Visit us and sign-up to get tons of great FREE softball hitting tips to boost your game!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/baseball-articles/dos-and-donts-of-softball-pitching-938409.html

Softball Batting Tee Drills

By Marc Dagenais



www.FastpitchSoftballSupply.com

Hitting a softball can not be learnt to do overnight. You need to learn how to hit the ball by using drills which will give you the necessary skills to perform better at the plate. Some of the best drills use a batting tee and this article has several of these types of drills. Use a couple of these softball hitting drills and you will really notice how much better you are getting at hitting the ball.

Drill 1 - Deflated Volleyball

Purpose: To emphasize keeping the knees together with a short, balanced, stride.

Procedure: The batter assumes normal position at the T with a deflated volleyball placed between her knees. The batter then swings through the ball while remaining balanced and gripping the volleyball with her knees.

Drill 2 - Down on One Knee

Purpose: To concentrate on keeping the barrel above the hands to hit the high pitch. The only way to hit the high pitch is to tomahawk the ball.

Procedure: The hitter is down on the back leg with the front leg extended straight. The ball is on a T above shoulder level when the batter is on one knee. The batter keeps her hands down and the barrel up, tomahawking the ball.

Drill 3 - Inside - Outside

Purpose: To emphasize taking the same stride, regardless of the pitch location.

Procedure: One T is placed on the inside corner of the plate (in front of the plate), and the second T is placed on the outside corner of the plate (even with the plate). While using correct mechanics, the batter alternates between hitting the inside ball and the outside ball.

Drill 4 - Regular T

Purpose: To practice keeping the head down and the barrel up.

Procedure: Place the T in the strike zone so that the barrel stays up. The batter should drive the front shoulder to the outside corner of the plate. After contact the batter should look inside the T. This ensures that the head stays down.

Drill 5 - Target on the Fence

Purpose: To practice a smooth rhythm and follow-through.

Procedure: Place a target on the fence and a T about 15-20 feet in front of the target. The batter tries to hit the target.

Marc Dagenais is a softball peak performance coach that provides softball tips, softball drills, and information on techniques for hitting, pitching, coaching, and training through his blog at http://www.softballperformance.com/blog

He also helps softball players and coaches improves their game by sharing with them the tips and strategies used by the world's best softball players and coaches to achieve extraordinary performances. You can sign-up to get his FREE Softball Tips at http://www.softballperformance.com/softball-tips.html Go Sign-up Now!

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Practice the Softball Hitting That Wins

When you're asked to play as softball hitter, you hold a key role in your team. Of course you want to give your best or else you will suffer the humiliating defeat. So knowing some strategies to good preparations is a must so that during the actual play, you can deliver that hard-hitting power that will catch your opponents off guard. So learn the softball hitting techniques that wins.


To perform well during the competition, good preparation is a must. Because your present physical condition and mental state are important, how you prepare makes greater impact. Are there ways to improve your softball hitting performance? Surely there are and you've got to know and practice them. This will ensure bigger winning chance.


When making preparations make it sure that you work on what you desire to achieve. Since you want hard-hitting power, achieve this through exercise. Perform specific body work out that strengthens your muscle. Weight lifting is a good way to achieve stronger muscles. Or you may try other techniques which you think will help you to improve your strength and stamina.


Next to consider is how you hold the bat. Holding it bat the wrong way is counter effective. Make sure that your hands are relaxed, otherwise, you cannot deliver a good strike. Practice to hold the bat correctly, this will reduce arms tension and gives you even greater speed. Loose grip should be applied by the upper hand, whereas the bottom hand maintains a grip just like when you hold a hammer. Determine also how many inches your grips should be from the bat knob. This affects your hitting power. So when practicing you take note on how you hold your bat, until it becomes your habit.


When doing some physical exercises, concentrate on the muscles that work harder during the play. Your triceps, chest, hips, legs need sufficient strength. Following regular schedule of exercise will yield better results.


Give attention also to your stance; good position of the feet make some wonders in softball hitting. Although some coaches differ in preference when it comes to correct stance, the ideal thing to do is to stand not wider that your shoulder. Good balance allows you to gain more agility, so give this aspect attention too. Stand in a matter than will allow you for swift action.


Another thing that calls for your attention is how to relax your shoulder. To do this, position your hands correctly. Good hand distance from the body ensures flexibility and helps the shoulder to reduce tension. Try positioning your hands three to four inches from your chest and see the difference. Once you learn to relax your shoulder, it helps you more to become agile and in a better position for hard hit.


Is your bat the right size for you? No matter what amount of practice you do, it won't help if you're uncomfortable with your bat. Hitting speed is also determined by the size of the bat. Make sure that you use the one that is perfect for your size. This particularly true among females players.


Softball hitting is not easy, but it doesn't have to be daunting. Once you learn the technique it comes as natural. But to do so requires a lot of practice. In softball game practice will also make your move perfect. So practice the right way.

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About The Author:

Marc Dagenais, MHK, CSCS, is a softball peak performance coach that helps players and teams hit with more power, run faster, throw harder, become mentally tougher, and be more dominant on the softball field. Visit us and sign-up to get tons of great FREE softball hitting tips to boost your game!

Softball Hitting Tips - Execute Perfect Hits

By Marc Dagenais

As we all might know, softball hitting needs a lot from the hitter. The physical skill, technique and output are indeed very important but it would be executed 100% at its full potential without the right mentality and way of thinking... Being mentally tough and fit in softball hitting requires not only focus but other mental approaches as well and here are some of them that will most definitely be of great help to you and to every softball hitter in the world.

Softball Hitting Mental Approach #1 - Be Optimistic

Being and staying positive all the time will most certainly result into several successful bats. If your mind knows and believes that you will make a perfect and power-filled hit then it most likely will happen. Remember that what the mind can conceive, it can achieve. So dump the negative attitude and put on the positive one.

Softball Hitting Mental Approach #2 - Forget the Past, Focus on the Present

You might not know it but softball hitters miss a hit twice more than landing a hit. That is a given but and that is okay. But what is not okay is for you to dwell in those past misses and mistakes as that will only cause poorer performance again and again. Focus on the present hitting opportunity and give it your all.

Softball Hitting Mental Approach #3 - Focus on the Pitcher and the Ball

When it comes to the effective hitting of softball, it is best to give your 101% focus and sight on the pitcher and the ball he or she is holding. Neglect all external distractions and watch out for the movement and ball angle the pitcher is about to do and calculate the possible directions the ball will go after it is thrown. This mental approach will contribute a lot to a successful softball hit.

Softball Hitting Mental Approach #4 - Manage your Emotions

Do not let the pitcher see that you are getting frustrated and that you are losing hope every time you miss. That will only give the enemy pitcher more drive to give hard to hit pitches. So manage your emotions and show the pitcher that you are calm and ready to hit that softball anytime.

Softball Hitting Mental Approach #5 - Learn How To Anticipate

Anticipation of possible future events in playing softball is a great skill and asset most especially for softball hitters. One can easily turn the tides of the game if he or she can get one step ahead of the pitcher or any opponent for that matter. And one way of acquiring and learning how to anticipate is through making back up plans and situation analysis. Make at least three back up plans in case your expectations change. And, carefully analyze everything from the actions of the pitcher to the body language of the opposing team as well. This will help a lot for you to be able to deliver a powerful hit to amaze everyone.

Remember that being mentally tough plus physically fit and capable is the secret to every softball hitting tips and success as well as to all of softball. So strive to nourish both qualities and be the best softball player of the future. So, strengthen up the brain and build up your muscles and softball playing skills together and never neglect either one of them.

Marc Dagneais is Softball Peak Performance Coach that helps softball players turn their athletic talent into extraordinary performances and help coaches get more out of their players, turn their struggling team around or get an edge over their opponents. Visit us to access our directory of FREE softball drills!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marc_Dagenais

Tried and Tested Softball Hitting Techniques

By Marc Dagenais

Softball is one of the great past times of a lot of kids and grownups alike. Whether just for leisure or a competitive tournament, softball is truly an enjoyable sport. There are various things involved for you to become a great softball player. One important aspect is definitely the hitting of the softball. It can really be tough hitting a softball especially if the pitcher from the other team is really good at it. You may wonder if there’s anything you can still do about it and beat him. The answer is definitely yes! But of course it would take so many practices as well as following some softball hitting guidelines. Once you’ve mastered them, hitting the softball would be a piece of cake and you have better chances of getting a hit.

There are softball hitting practices that you have to try incorporating in your practices and during a match especially if you are up against a talented pitcher. First thing to keep in mind is the stiff wrists. It can be difficult for a player to roll his wrist over after contact especially if he holds the bat too far back in is hands. The best solution to this is to have him place the barrel of the bat on the ground and rest the handle of the bat across the middle knuckles of his left hand in case he is right-handed when he gets back on track. He can do this a couple of times during practice. Afterwards, he puts his right hand in the same position above his left hand and rises up the bat. With this, his hands slightly touch his hands.

Another problem that a softball player faces in softball hitting is the lack of power. When a player move his hands forward quickly with his strides or when he opens his hips right away, he ends up losing his speed and power. After taking the first step, the player should keep his hands back for a split second. By the time his hands are back, power is generated enough to drive through the ball.

A softball player should also keep in mind to make each swing count. You can’t just be swinging just for the sake of swinging. Always remember that your swing should always have a specific target. It could either be to work on a technical element, to adjust a certain pitch, or to drive the ball in a specific location. The contact of the bat to the ball should also be considered in softball hitting. You should hit the softball with the meat of the bat by taking the knob of the bat to the softball.

It is very vital to learn how to hit the ball on the ground to the right side of the infield with runners on the second or third base. Keep in mind that you are trading an out for a run when you are hitting behind the runner. in order to do this, you have to keep your hands inside the ball, delay the swing for a bit, and keep the head of the bat is above the flight of the pitch.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/advice-corner-training-for-softball-hitting-1014140.html

Fastpitch Softball Hitting Drills

FastpitchSoftballSupply.com
"There's Nothing Slow About Us!"

By Marc Dagenais

Here are some great softball hitting drills for you to use which will improve your performance with the bat:

Drill 1 - Barrier Behind

Purpose: To emphasize taking the hands directly to the ball and keeping the barrel up.

Procedure: The batter's rear foot is parallel to the side of a batting cage and in contact with the net. The batter swings by taking her hands to the ball and keeping the bat barrel up. The bat should not touch the barrier on the swing.

Drill 2 - Look at Pitcher, Then Hit

Purpose: To practice refocusing from the pitcher to the point of contact.

Procedure: The batter at a T looks out at an imaginary pitcher and then refocuses on the T and takes a normal swing.

Drill 3 - Drop Toss

Purpose: To develop hand speed to the ball.

Procedure: The batter assumes her stance with a partner facing her with the ball held at should height. The batter tells the partner when to drop the ball. The partner releases the ball and pulls her arm up away from the strike zone. The batter takes a full swing.

Drill 4 - Rise-Ball Pitcher

Purpose: To practice hitting a rise ball.

Procedure: Take the legs off the pitching machine and position the machine on the ground. The pitched ball will then come from a low position to a high position. The batter must swing at only strikes. This drill can be done on the field with fielders and base runners on in a batting cage.

Drill 5 - Target Hitting

Purpose: To develop the right-handed batter's skill of hitting an outside pitch to right field and an inside pitch to left field, and vice versa for the left-handed batter.

Purpose: In batting practice the batter must hit into an assigned area of the field. For example, the first pitch a right-handed batter hits must be to right field. She will need to be sure to wait for an outside pitch. On her next swing she must try to pull the ball, and therefore look for an inside pitch. This drill can be done with or without fielders and base runners.

Marc Dagenais is a softball peak performance coach that provides softball tips, softball drills, and information on techniques for hitting, pitching, coaching, and training through his blog at http://www.softballperformance.com/blog

He also helps softball players and coaches improves their game by sharing with them the tips and strategies used by the world's best softball players and coaches to achieve extraordinary performances. You can sign-up to get his FREE Softball Tips at http://www.softballperformance.com/softball-tips.html Go Sign-up Now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marc_Dagenais

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Softball Hitting Tips

By Marc Dagenais

So you want to be hitter that dominates the game and smashes the ball out of the field? That's great because good hitting skills is one of the most fundamental skills that every player should have.

Here are some of my softball hitting tips for you that will help you take your game to the next level.

Always Remember to Warm-Up First

Many players get so excited about playing the game that they tend to forget to warm their muscles up first. Because of this, their performance becomes severely limited.

So before you step into the home plate, make sure you do your warm-ups first. Focus especially on the muscles the you will be using more frequently during the course of the game.

Aside from that, do your stretches as well. Doing these things will help you prevent incidents of pulled muscles, torn ligaments and other forms of injury. This is one of the most important softball hitting tips anybody would tell you, so keep this in mind.

Maintain an Air of Confidence

Many players, especially the younger ones, haven't developed their confidence yet when stepping on the plate. Because of this, catchers and pitchers take advantage of their lack of confidence and try to force the hitter to commit errors.

Don't let it happen to you. Before you step on the plate, don't slouch, carry your bat confidently and look into the batter's eyes and tell her that you mean business.

Stay Focused

If the game stretches out for too long, or if you're playing the game under the direct heat of the sun, it's easy to get distracted and focus too much on your current situation than on the game.

When you let your surroundings affect you, you become prone to committing mistakes not only in your hitting but also in the other aspects of your game.

When you step on the plate, remember that it's just you and the ball. And remember that your objective is to hit the ball and keep it out of the reach of the fielders. Concentrate on that and don't let the other things bother you.

Practice Proper Hitting Mechanics

It's easy to imagine yourself hitting one home run after another, but making it happen is another matter. To make home runs really happen for you, you must remember to focus on doing the proper hitting mechanics first.

Tons of home runs are made by the best players because they perfectly know how to correctly hit the ball. It takes the proper stance, the follow through and a lot more to hit the ball well. So, focus on your fundamentals and everything else will follow.

I'm sure your coach has other ideas for other ways of improving your hitting skills. But the softball hitting tips I listed above are some of the most basic yet most important things you need to keep in mind before and during you step on the batter's plate.

Marc Dagneais is Softball Peak Performance Coach that helps softball players turn their athletic talent into extraordinary performances and help coaches get more out of their players, turn their struggling team around or get an edge over their opponents. Visit us to access our directory of FREE softball drills!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marc_Dagenais

Recommended Websites for Softball Coaches
The Softball 2Day Coaching Journal
The Fastpitch Softball Directory
BatAction Hitting Machines
Derek Jeter Hurricane Machines
Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer
Advanced Skills Tee
BattingCagesDirect.com
HomeBattingCages.com
BattingCagesrUs.com
BattingCageBuilder.com
Hands Back Hitter Swing Trainer
Stay Back Tee Baseball Swing Trainer

Hit and Win - Softball Hitting Tips

By Marc Dagenais

Softball like other professional sports requires stamina, focus and alertness. There are a lot of things to consider when you engage yourself in this kind of sport.

One of the things you should focus on is hitting the softball. It is one of the most difficult things to teach and learn when it comes to playing this sport. Let us discuss some of the things you should keep in mind.

The Bat. You should know the weight of the bat you need. Choosing your bat is very important because this will be your weapon throughout the game. Getting used to the weight of your bat will help you swing with ease and power. Consider whether your bat is too light or too heavy for you. You and your bat should make a connection. Remember to hit the lower bottom part of the ball. This will cause a backspin which will drive the ball farther. It will be one of the most inevitable possessions you have as a softball player.

Keep your head static. Your focus on the ball defines how well and how strong you hit the softball. Keeping your head in one position and one direction will help you to set your fullest attention to the ball and anticipate its way to you. This will give you time to estimate proper timing to hit the ball.

Keep your hands relaxed. Holding a bat in a relaxed manner will give you more speed when you hit the ball. Make sure your fingers are settled in the bat comfortably which makes you feel at ease with it. IN this way, you will more attention to the ball you will hit than how you hand will move when you hit the ball. Keep your hands relaxed but not too loose.

Your Stance. Keep your knees bent. Lean a bit forward and maintain your proper hitting angle and keep a good balance. There is no perfect stance though. All players have the option to choose a stance fit for their comfort and need. Just remember not to train yourself to be accustomed to exaggerated stances.

Hitting requires a lot of energy when you swing your bat and hit the ball. You should get used to that. Regular hitting practice with you chosen bat will help you keep track on your swinging speed and the speed of your ball after the hit. If you want to develop a powerful hit it is necessary to record your speed. You should remember to set your goals as you develop your ability in hitting the softball.

Marc Dagenais, MHK, CSCS, is a softball peak performance coach that helps players and teams hit with more power, run faster, throw harder, become mentally tougher, and be more dominant on the softball field. To get tons of great FREE softball hitting tips to boost your game, visit us at: http://www.softballperformance.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marc_Dagenais

Recommended Websites for Softball Coaches
The Softball 2Day Coaching Journal
The Fastpitch Softball Directory
BatAction Hitting Machines
Derek Jeter Hurricane Machines
Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer
Advanced Skills Tee
BattingCagesDirect.com
HomeBattingCages.com
BattingCagesrUs.com
BattingCageBuilder.com
Hands Back Hitter Swing Trainer
Stay Back Tee Baseball Swing Trainer

Youth Fastpitch Softball Bunt Coverage

FastpitchSoftballSupply.com

By Jim Moyer

To be a solid fastpitch softball defensive team, your team must be well-drilled in fastpitch softball bunt coverage. This article will discuss the standard scheme that works best for your base defense. Moreso than other softball skills, practice and repetition will be paramount in executing bunt coverage, as this play requires an inordinate amount of team chemistry.

The typical layout of your defensive unit should have the 1st baseman playing in towards home about 3-5 feet. The 2nd baseman and Shortstop should be positioned somewhere behind the baseline (depending on the age and level of competition). The 3rd baseman should be positioned about 10-12 feet inside the bag towards home plate. This base positioning dictates that the 3rd baseman, 1st baseman, pitcher and catcher are the four players in position to field the ball. The ideal player to field the ball is the 3rd baseman. She needs to be the General on the field on bunt coverage plays as she is the player moving towards the play at 1st base and she should have the best vision of the entire play. As she is charging the ball, she needs to make the call as to who will field the ball. How many times have we seen 2 or more players converge on the ball and think the other player will make the play only to make no play at all? Too many! The 3rd baseman should be charging the ball and call the position of the player that is in the best position to make the play.

Probably the hardest bunt to field is the ball placed about 6 feet in front of home plate and down the 1st baseline. This is a prime example where team chemistry will come in to play. The 3rd baseman will have to quickly assess who has the best play on the ball. Typically, the catcher would be the preferred choice since her momentum is headed towards 1st base; however, she may have been slow getting out of her position.

Softball Bunt Coverage - No Runners on Base

With no runners on base, 1st, Pitcher, Catcher, and 3rd are going to crash the ball. The 2nd baseman has the responsibility to cover 1st base and receive the throw. The rightfielder should take an angle to about 20 - 30 feet behind 1st base and near the foul line to cut off any errant throws. It's critical for the rightfielder to maintain a safe distance behind 1st base otherwise the errant throw to 1st base could well end up in the right field corner for a homerun. The centerfielder should take an angle to be positioned behind the rightfielder to help with retrieving an errant throw. The shortstop should head to 2nd base in case of an error at 1st base. The leftfielder should take an angle to position herself behind the shortstop.

Softball Bunt Coverage - Runner on 1st Base

TAKE THE OUT AT 1ST BASE!!! Don't even consider going for the lead runner and trying to get the out at 2nd base. It's fools gold and you would be lucky to make that play 10% of the time. All of the player's positioning is the same except for the shortstop and leftfielder. This is the MOST DISCIPLINED PLAY the shortstop will have to make. Her instinct is to cover 2nd base for a steal, however, if she does that and the bunt is put in play, it will turn into a foot race between her and the runner to get to 3rd base (If the runner on 1st sees the shortstop at 2nd, she just continues running to 3rd knowing it's going to be a very difficult play for shortstop to run from 2nd to 3rd and be in position to make a catch and tag). To play this correctly, position the shortstop 5 feet closer to 2nd base so she is in position to cover the steal without having to break to the base prior to knowing if the ball is successfully bunted. If the ball is not bunted, she covers 2nd base for the steal. If the ball is successfully bunted she covers 3rd base. She can't cheat to cover 3rd base either, or if the runner on 1st is stealing the shortstop will be out of position to take the throw. The leftfielder will take an angle to be about 20 - 30 feet behind 3rd base and on the left field foul line to back up an errant throw.

Softball Bunt Coverage - Runners on 1st and 2nd Base

Again, TAKE THE OUT AT 1ST BASE!!! Depending on the age and skill level of your team, it may be possible to get the lead runner at 3rd base. If the bunt is very short so the catcher can make a quick play, of if the bunt is too hard and the pitcher or 1st baseman can make a quick play, it COULD be possible to get the runner out at 3rd base. However, the odds are certainly not in your favor, and if the play is unsuccessful the result is having the bases loaded. Coverage on this play is the same as the coverage for a runner on 1st base coverage. The noted exception is the rightfielder needs to know on an overthrow she should be prepared to throw the ball home. Also, the leftfielder needs to take her backup position behind 3rd base in case the play is attempted at 3rd base.

Softball Bunt Coverage - Bases Loaded

The unique thing about this play is that either 1st base or Catcher needs to make the call as to where to throw the ball. The 3rd baseman and pitcher have a much more difficult time knowing how close the runner is to home plate. Also unique for this play, is that the catcher needs more discipline. She must immediately determine if another fielder can play the ball and toss it to her for the force out at home. If this is the case, she needs to take a 1st baseman's stance at the plate and be prepared to receive the throw and then throw to 1st base for a double play. She must also determine if she is the only player that can make a play on the ball and get the out at either home or 1st base. This is a pressure play on the defense, but with a fair amount of practice should be able to make the play at home on a fairly routine basis. If there is ever ANY DOUBT about making the out at home, the fielders must take the out at 1st base.

Softball Bunt Coverage - Look for the Double Play

When runners are on base and the bunt play is on, this is an ideal time to look for the double play. Typically the runners, especially a trailing runner, will take sizeable leadoffs on when the bunt is on. Train your players to react to a bunt that is popped up in the air. The easiest runner to double up is generally a runner on 1st base. Catch the pop up and fire the ball to 1st base for the force out. The lead runner is usually in a good enough position to be able to return to her base safely, however she probably is out of position to be able to advance when you throw to 1st for the double play.

Softball Bunt Coverage - Take the Out

Almost without exception, your team is far better off taking the out at 1st base. Considering the difficulty of getting the lead runner and the position you leave yourself in if the play is not successful, it's hardly ever worth the risk of going for the lead runner. I would submit the only time when it is imperative to get the lead runner is when the game-winning run is on 3rd base. Even if it is the game tying run on 3rd base, I would strongly consider taking the out at 1st base and allowing the runner on 3rd to score. If you go for the out at home and are unsuccessful, you have allowed the game to be tied and allowed the winning run on base or advance on the bases without getting an out. As a coach, you are finding a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, and that's not a good thing.

Remember that the key to having a successful fastpitch defense is to make a very high percentage of easy outs. You must avoid giving up big innings to your opponent. In fastpitch softball, one big offensive inning can very easily decide the game. If you repeatedly play for the lead runner, you will consistently give up big innings. Further, if you can NOT shut down your opponents bunting game, you don't have much of a chance to win. In another article on this site, I tell the story of bunting 10 batters in a row one inning. Trust me, you don't want to be the team that sees 10 bunts in a row. That means your team can't cover the bunt, and you can't win the game. For the best way to practice your softball bunt coverage scheme please refer to the article The Bunting Game located at http://www.mysoftballcoach.com/bunting.html

Now, Go get ‘em coach!

Jim Moyer is the author of http://www.mysoftballcoach.com Having coached over 500 youth fastpitch softball games, Jim decided to put the information online to allow parent/coaches to draw on his unique experience.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Moyer

Baseball or Fastpitch Softball Hitting Drill - Hands to the Ball

FastpitchSoftballSupply.com



By Jim Moyer

The dreaded Golf Swing is a common problem for Softball players. You know what I'm talking about, the player consistently misses below the ball by four or five inches. You have talked to them about taking their hands straight to the ball and about swinging level, yet time after time they are underneath the ball. You finally decide the girl is a complete moron and is unable to process the valuable information you are giving her or you determine that she must enjoy bringing you pain and misery.

Your Hitter is probably into the pain and misery he/she is causing you, but on the outside chance that's it's just a bad batting habit you should try this Hands to the Ball drill.

During your next batting practice, place your hitting tee directly behind home plate (touching the back corner of the plate) and pull the tee up to about mid-thigh. Now when the girl swings she must take her hands and bat over the tee without hitting the tee. Now break out the pitching machine and start throwing batting practice. If she drops her hands or the bat head she will hit the tee. Aaaahhhhh, success! Now she can process what you have been telling her for so long. It really won't take too many swings for her to correct the problem, however you may need to do this hitting drill at several batting practices.

This same procedure can be used in soft toss or in hitting from a tee. Just place a hitting tee behind the home plate so he/she can't drop her hands without hitting the back tee.

I have to admit, the first few swings are hysterical. The player thinks the coach is crazy for putting a tee behind her. In her mind you are NUTS thinking she is going to hit the tee. Then on that first pitch when she sends the tee tumbling forward the hitter will have a look of complete astonishment and disbelief. By the third or fourth swing a look of total disgust will have replaced the disbelief. By the sixth or seventh swing the player will finally own up to having poor hitting mechanics. Now, she is making real progress. Just like any 10 Step corrective plan, the first step is to admit there is a problem.

If you have a player with a great golf swing, it may take several sessions to re-train her muscles to swing correctly. Just stick with this drill. The player will absolutely hate hitting that tee and will be working very hard to correct the problem. In all of my years of coaching fastpitch softball and baseball, I have found this to be the single best drill for correcting the "golf swing" strikeouts.

Should she continue to hit the tee, she may very well just enjoy watching you pull your hair out. :-) Then again, you may be ruining the next Tiger Woods. But this isn't a golf team, it's Baseball or Fastpitch Softball and you need hitters, not golfers.

Jim Moyer is the author of http://www.mysoftballcoach.com Having coached over 500 youth fastpitch softball games, Jim decided to put the information online to allow parent/coaches to draw on his unique experience. See http://www.mysoftballcoach.com/play-softball.html for more fastpitch softball tips, drills and essential coaching strategies.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Moyer

Three Important Fastpitch Hitting Drills

FastpitchSoftballSupply.com







By J Cox

Three Important Hitting Drills

Hitting a softball is one of the hardest things to do in all of sports. It takes very good eye to hand coordination. It takes great timing, talent, and a bit of luck (sometimes) too. For a player to maximize her chances of being the best hitter she can possibly be, she should regularly go through some hitting drills. Three important hitting drills every player should do are "Hitting off a Tee", "Self Toss and Hit", and "Side Soft Toss".

Many players, unless they're under the age of 12 or so, view hitting off a tee as being too childish, but it isn't. In fact, players of all ages and all capabilities should always hit off a tee. This helps hitters to work on their form as they take their stance, swing, hit the ball, and then follow through. With the help of the coach, problems can quickly be identified and corrected during this hitting drill.

Another important hitting drill is the Self Toss and Hit drill. This drill simply involves the hitter tossing up a ball and then hitting it. The hitters should toss the ball close to their body, farther away from their body, and everywhere in between. Also, the batter should hit the ball when it's high in the strike zone, low in the strike zone, and everywhere in between. This way the hitter can get used to swinging at the ball in all these different positions. The point of this hitting drill is for the batter to once again work on the mechanics with her swing and the drill will also help develop better eye to hand coordination.

The third important hitting drill is the Side Soft Toss. This drill requires a pair of players. One player will hit while the other player will toss the ball. The player hitting will assume her stance and get ready to hit. The other player will stand off to the side a few feet (close but not so close that the bat can reach her) with a softball or a bucket of softballs. The player with the ball will lightly toss the ball into the strike zone of the hitter. The hitter will then put a good swing on the ball and hit it forward. Once again this is a great hitting drill for developing eye to hand coordination and for helping a hitter develop good mechanics.

Hitting is probably the single hardest thing to do during a softball game. It takes a player with good eye to hand coordination, good timing, and good mechanics to be able to hit the ball consistently. Three important hitting drills that will help players become better hitters are "Hitting off a Tee", "Self Toss and Hit", and "Side Soft Toss".

J Cox runs http://www.fastpitchsoftballbat.net . The site tries to find bargains for the fastpitch fan. The new improved site can be found at http://www.accessories.fastpitchsoftballbat.net/home

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Cox

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Fast Pitch Softball Hitting Drills

Fast Pitch Softball Hitting Drills

It's very important that if you play softball, you have some offensive upside to your game. In order to have that, softball hitting drills are usually a good starting point to pick up on some of the skills associated with batting and also help you refine hitting skills you may already have. Here are some great softball batting drills for you to work on which can help turn you into a hitting machine.

Drill 1 - Command T Drill

Purpose: To practice using the same stride while adjusting to different contact spots.

Procedure: Set one T at the contact spot for an inside pitch (front inside corner) and one for an outside pitch (back outside corner.) As the hitter plants the front foot, a partner calls "In" or "Out." The batter hits the ball called for by the partner.

Drill 2 - Two Stride

Purpose: To practice the stride and check for balance.

Procedure: The batter takes her stride with the hands going back to launch position. She freezes and holds that position to review stride length, foot position, hand position, and balance. If all is correct, she repeats the stride and this time swings to hit the ball off the T. If she recognizes a problem, she repeats the stride and does not swing until all is correct.

Drill 3 - High Toss

Purpose: To learn to keep the barrel above the ball.

Procedure: The tosser throws from a standing position. The hitter hits tosses that are high inside and high outside.

Drill 4 - In Close

Purpose: To develop quick reactions to the ball and a small stride.

Procedure: The hitter stands about 30 feet from the machine. Set the machine to throw at the regular speed used at the normal distance. The hitter must react quickly after seeing the ball and use her normal swing, focusing on getting the bat out quickly.

Drill 5 - Ball Kick

Purpose: To emphasize making a good pivot with feedback.

Procedure: The player places a ball against her back heel and works on knocking it away with a hard pivot.

Marc Dagenais is a softball peak performance coach that provides softball tips, softball drills, and information on techniques for hitting, pitching, coaching, and training through his blog at http://www.softballperformance.com/blog

He also helps softball players and coaches improves their game by sharing with them the tips and strategies used by the world's best softball players and coaches to achieve extraordinary performances. You can sign-up to get his FREE Softball Tips at http://www.softballperformance.com/softball-tips.html Go Sign-up Now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marc_Dagenais

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