How to Hit a Modified Fast Softball Better

Many people associate softball with either a slow-pitch recreational league with high-arcing pitches or a high-level fast pitch game with violent windmill pitching motions. However, in the middle of these two extremes is modified softball. In modified softball, pitchers can throw as fast as they want, but they cannot step backwards or use a windmill or rocker pitching motion. Hitting against modified softball pitching involves the same principles of other softball batting. The key is adjusting to a new motion and release point.

Things You'll Need

  • Pitcher
  • Softball bat
  • Softball
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your stance in the batter's box. This should be whatever feels comfortable to you, but in general, spread your feet just past shoulder's width and bend your knees and back slightly. The goal should be to find a comfortable, balanced position. Eyes face the pitcher and bat is back.

    • 2

      Understand that a modified softball pitch will typically be released faster than other softball types. The pitch usually will not be thrown with as much speed as a windmill motion, but there will be no pronounced windup. Once the pitcher starts, be prepared for the pitch.

    • 3

      Find the ball immediately after it is released from the pitcher's hand. If possible, study the pitcher's motion in previous games or in previous at-bats with your teammates. Learn where to expect the ball, how fast it will be coming and what type of movement the pitch will have. Pick up the ball as quickly as possible out of the pitcher's hand and determine its location.

    • 4

      Use a short stride for your front or plant foot. This enables you to get into hitting position quicker. Step about six inches toward the pitcher with your front leg and slide it just above the ground. A high leg lift in your swing takes more time and can make it difficult for you to time pitches from a modified delivery.

    • 5

      Rotate your hips and transfer your weight from your back foot to your front foot, enabling you to get the barrel of the bat to the ball quickly. The bat should move straight toward the ball without any wasted motion.

    • 6

      Hit the ball with your arms fully extended. This produces the greatest amount of power in your swing.

    • 7

      Position yourself closer to the pitcher or deeper in the batter's box as needed. If you are used to a slower pitch, move back in the box to give yourself more time to react. If you generally hit against the windup or windmill pitching technique, move to the front of the batter's box to account for the expected drop in pitching speed.