How to Swing a Softball Bat
Many softball players are former baseball players looking to stay active and competitive after their baseball years have ended. On the surface, hitting a softball appears much easier, because it's pitched more slowly and you have more time to line up your swing. Hitting a large softball with a skinny bat, however, requires timing, patience and good mechanics. Make one mistake, and you're popping the ball straight up or hitting a weak grounder to second base. With the right swing, you'll be filling the clean-up spot in no time.
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Instructions
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Get in your stance. Bend your knees slightly, and keep your front elbow down. Your back elbow should be at a 45-degree angle or so.
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As the pitcher releases the ball, keep your eye on it. Transfer weight to your back foot and rotate your hips and front shoulder slightly inward in a cocked position.
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3
As the ball comes in, take a step with your front foot and turn your hips outward. Rotate your rear foot so that your toe is pointing at the pitcher. Swing level while keeping your eye on the ball. Hit the ball directly in the center.
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Continue to swing straight through the ball.
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Tips & Warnings
Be patient. Since softballs come in with such slow motion, it's tempting to swing at every pitch. Wait for your pitch and for the ball to get into the middle of your strike zone before swinging the bat. Find your own stance. The stance noted above is a starting point, but as you get more comfortable, do what works for you. If you look around any softball league, you'll notice that each player has his own stance. Maintain proper swing mechanics, and find a stance that is comfortable.
