Swinging a slowpitch softball bat is a skill that takes practice, but with some simple rules and a little practice, you can master the art of hitting it. In this article, you will get the ultimate guide to swinging a slowpitch softball bat.
You will learn about the equipment you need, and how to grip it properly. You will learn some of the best drills to make you a better player. You will also get tips on what to avoid to hit a slow-pitch softball bat correctly. Let’s begin!
Choosing the Right Bat
The very first step before you even begin swinging a slowpitch bat is to get the right bat for you. There are several factors to consider before you choose the right bat for you. The first factor to consider is your hand size.
Before you start hitting, you will want to choose a bat that fits your hand size. A bat that is too large will be uncomfortable to swing, but a bat that is too small will not provide you with the power that you need. You will also want to choose a bat that has a comfortable handle and grip.
The length and weight of the bat are also extremely important factors that you should consider. Getting the wrong length can be frustrating. You’ll find yourself constantly adjusting your grip to fit the bat. Therefore, pay special attention to the length of the bat.
It’s also important to see if your preferred bat is approved by your league. There are many different certifications in slowpitch softball: ASA/USA, USSSA, NSA, and more, so be sure to research the certifications that your league requires.
Get the Right Grip
When you’ve got the right bat for you, it’s time to move on to the next step, and that is getting the right grip. The key here is to have a comfortable grip, yet a stable one.
So, don’t hold on too tight, as that will prevent you from getting a good swing. You don’t want to grab the bat so hard that your hands are sore the next day.
Instead, try to keep your hands relaxed. If you are a right-hander, grip the bat with your right hand above your left hand. If you are left-handed, just switch your hands.
Your little finger should be positioned toward the end of the knob. Line up your knuckles so you get the right ankle positioning when it’s time to hit the softball.
Launch Angle
Launch angle is the angle at which the bat strikes the ball. It is measured by drawing a line from the top of the handle to the point at which the bat meets the ball.
This is important to understand because you want the bat to hit the ball at the correct angle. The best angle to hit a softball is from 20 degrees to 40 degrees. When you hit the softball at this angle, with enough power, you should be able to hit it out of the park.
Below is a diagram that shows you the different launch angles.
Stance
A stance in the position of your body that you take when you are standing at the plate. This is the fundamental of swinging a bat, and getting this wrong can impact your game. You want to try out different stances to see which ones work for you the best, but it’s recommended that you start with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Your back leg should be firm on the ground and is a part of your body where a lot of power is generated for the swing.
Hitting the Softball
Now we’ve come to the most important part, and that is hitting the softball. This is the most important part, but it’s easier when all the previous things we’ve mentioned are covered and become second nature.
Timing is crucial here. You want to try to keep your eye on the ball as long as possible so you can get a good read on it. When the softball comes towards you, you should make sure you have an adequate amount of weight behind the bat, and then you should swing at it. The main thing is to not swing too early or too late. Try to find the sweet spot in between.
Swing level, generate the power from your legs, and swing your hips. You should think about going through the ball with the power you’ve generated, as that will give you the best chance of success.
5 Tips
- Keep it simple at first: Focusing on the fundamentals and becoming really good at them will help you to develop a strong foundation, so you can later experiment with your swing.
- Take it easy: It’s natural to want to be aggressive when you first start practicing. This isn’t the time to do that. You want to stay relaxed and take things slowly. Slow and steady wins the race.
- Focus on one thing at a time: When you’re trying to master a new skill, it’s important to focus on one thing at a time. Don’t try to swing with everything at once. Instead, concentrate on a single aspect of your game and make sure that you’re getting better at that one thing before moving on to the next one.
- Be comfortable: The more comfortable you are, the better your results will be. A loose grip or stance won’t help you to hit the ball, and a stiff grip or stance will only frustrate you and lead to poor form. Take the time to figure out what’s comfortable for you and then stick with it.
- Practice, practice, practice!: Practice is the key to improving your swing, as can’t learn anything without putting in the time and effort.