How to Hit a Softball

The key to hitting a softball is to focus on the proper stance, including how you hold the bat.

Things You'll Need

  • Softball Cleats
  • Softball Bats - Bottle And Semibottle
  • Softball Batting Gloves
  • Softball Fielding Gloves
  • Softball Batting Helmets
  • Plastic Softballs
  • Breakaway Bases
  • Softball Donuts
  • Softball Equipment Bags
  • Softball Glove Conditioner Cream
  • Softballs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Start with a comfortable stance. Balance your weight on the balls of your feet. Keep your knees slightly flexed, with a slight bend at the waist.

    • 2

      Hold the bat with your front elbow down and relaxed, and your back elbow at a 45-degree angle, pointed at the ground.

    • 3

      Grasp the bat at a 45- to 90-degree angle with the middle knuckles of one hand aligned with the middle knuckles of the other hand.

    • 4

      Keep your hands at the top of the strike zone, and near your back armpit. Make sure the bat is between the catcher and your back shoulder.

    • 5

      Keep your head straight, with your eyes focused on the pitcher at the release point of the ball (the side of the pitcher's leg, for example).

    • 6

      Shift the weight onto your back foot as the pitcher goes into the windup.

    • 7

      Take a stride forward with the front foot on the release of the pitch, being careful not to bring any weight forward on the stride. This is called a soft step.

    • 8

      Start to pivot the back foot so that your back heel is facing the catcher, and transfer your weight forward to the middle of your body.

    • 9

      Launch your hands last, with the knob of the bat going toward the pitcher's feet.

    • 10

      Be careful not to drop the barrel of the bat below your hands at the start of the swing.

    • 11

      Hit the ball and drive it, following through with your hands swinging to the opposite shoulder.