NEYSA: Softball Instruction
Ladies: Proper Hitting Form:
1. Head Down both eyes on pitchers hands
2. Rotate hips back leg inverted "L"
3. Toe of back foot "Squashing the Bug"
4. Extend Arms downward for roll over
5. Swing bat around fully "Follow through"
See your Coach for Assistance
"See the Ball, Hit the Ball"
Hitting Mechanics
There are a number of factors that go into being a consistent hitter. The key in fastpitch hitting is contact, and getting on base.
1.The first thing is balance. Visualize a rod that goes from the center of your head to the core of your body. You want to keep the rod straight up. When you swing, your body will rotate on the axis of that rod.
2.The second thing is feet placement. Feet should be placed comfortably shoulder width apart with the toes pointed at home plate. The knees are slightly bent. As the pitcher begins her wind-up, the body weight is transferred to the balls of the feet. You can slide a 2 X 4 board under the heels to get use to that feeling. Bend slightly at the waist.
3. Stride is the next thing. There are coaches who teach no stride. However, stride is the "trigger" which uncoils all the mechanics that follow. The lead foot glides "across thin ice", no more than 1-2 inches. The heel then comes down.
4. The power for hitting is generated from the ground up. The hips are an important part of generating the power. Visualize throwing the hip that is next to the catcher, at the pitcher. To do this, the back foot will simulate the motion of "squashing the bug" using the ball of the back foot. Again, remembering that as the hip is snapped, you are rotating on the axis of that rod.
5. Head placement is very important. Do not tilt the head. Keep it on a horizontal plane with both eyes focused on the pitcher. Younger players have a tendency to "peek" at the pitcher with one eye. You need both eyes to see the pitch. Turn your head until you can see with both eyes. Track the ball with both eyes.
6. Place the bat across the base of the fingers. Never grip the bat in the palm of your hands. This will make it very difficult to roll your wrists properly for the follow-through. Hold the bat lightly. As you swing, you will tighten the grip without realizing it. The hands are generally placed around 2-3 fingers width from the knob.
7. Hand placement is the last thing. Bottom hand is at the top of the strike zone (around the shoulder). The bat is held at a 45 degree angle. The back elbow is comfortably down at the side of the body. If the elbow is up, this will cause the batter to swing the bat wide. Front arm is shaped like a backward letter "L" with the elbow comfortably down.
The sequence of hitting is:
1. stride
2. unlock the shoulder
3. unlock the elbow
4. throw the top hand at the ball
5. hip snap (hips will follow hands)
6. head is tracking the ball
7. imagine there is a camera in your belly button. Point of contact is where the camera will take the picture. You can draw a line from your belly button to the point of contact.
8. hit through the ball, rolling your wrists comfortably as you rotate on the axis of the rod.
9. if you are snapping your hips correctly, the umpire can see clearly the number on the back of your shirt.
Working off a batting T will definitely help in creating the proper mechanics.
Proper Bat Selection
You can find some VERY good bats under $100. Worth has two very nice bats, VTMS Michelle Smith model (-10) around $90, and the SBAB11 Leah O'Brien Model (-11)-$60. In addition, there is the Louisville Slugger model FP15 Burgundy Classic(-10)-$85. These are all excellent bats, that are very durable.
Louisville FP13 Collegiate series (-8)-$90 is another choice. This bat is designed for players who can wield a heavier bat. This bat is designed for serious power hitting, thus the COLLEGIATE designation. It is mentioned here simply because kids see it at college games, and think if they use this bat they will hit like the college players. This bat is NOT recomended for league play, and is probably not for MOST high school players.
Worth VT5MS Supercell VT (-10) around $130, is an excellent mid-priced bat
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Proper Form Windmill Pitcher
Instructional Tips & Drills
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