Step1
The video covered the basics: Hand placement, swing angle, hip rotation and weight distribution. Power is generated by the core muscles more than the arms. The hitter must keep her weight back and her swing compact, slicing diagonally through the strike zone to the ball. The hip rotation drill helps build a more explosive swing. The "barrier drill" shown in the video prevents the hitter from dropping her hands and putting a loop in her swing.
Step2
The Ken Griffey Jr. tee -- the Louisville Slugger Instructo Swing -- is a terrific tool to instill the proper swing angle. It introduces the fastpitch swing to beginnings and reinforces good mechanics with established hitters.
Step3
Once a hitter has mastered the fastpitch swing, repetitions are vital. Using a regular tee and/or the Griffey tee, the hitter can hit into the pop-up net for regular 15- to 20-minute sessions, building strength and bat speed. When has a training partner available, she can hit soft-toss lobs into the net for 15 to 20 minutes and refine hand-to-eye coordination.
Step4
To increase strength and improve mechanics, the hitter should regularly hit soft tosses with just her left arm, then with just her right arm -- while maintaining proper mechanics.
Step5
To increase power, the hitter can also drive slightly deflated volleyballs and softball off a tee. The key to DRIVE the balls, not merely hit them.
Step6
Regular work against a pitching machine is also critical. Crank the machine all the way up and force the hitter to adapt to the speed. Once the hitter is consistently driving the ball against the top speed, having her take one step closer to the machine after each solid hit.
Step7
To improve hand-to-eye coordination -- and the ability to center the bat on ball -- pitch wiffle golf balls to hitters swinging broomsticks.
Step8
To improve hand-to-eye coordination -- and bat speed -- stand behind a hitter and bounce a tennis ball through the strike zone. The hitter must hit the ball as it comes through her line of vision. A variation of this drill is to stand on a step ladder and drop balls straight down in to the strike zone. Again, the hitter has to take her hands straight to ball to make contact.
Step9
To ensure proper grip, the hitter should try the "Turboslot" batting gloves. This product comes highly recommended by college coaches and hitters.
Step10
Weight training should focus on strengthening the core muscles while also building the arms and shoulders. The stronger the hitter's base, the better her ability to generate power.
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Comments
mdagenais said
on 7/24/2008 The "Squishing the bug" is a bit of an outdated terminology. Today, people tend to talk more about rotational hitting.
More info about rotational hitting: http://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-hitting/132-rotational-hitting.html