softball hitting

[jamesh23]

My best friend whom is 16 and plays varsity softball they always have a pinch hitter for her and its getting her mad, she wants to enjoy the game and loves softball. I told her I would help her improve her swing and her hitting, no gurantee though

what are some things I can tell her and show her? how much different is the baseball swing, from the softball swing? thanks guys.

[Lady_Knights]

I coach HS and travel Softball, and there is no difference in the swing. A linear weight shift, into rotational mechanics.

[jamesh23]

I coach HS and travel Softball, and there is no difference in the swing. A linear weight shift, into rotational mechanics.

thanks oh and about that weight you were gonna send me, dont worry about it, I got one

[Maxx]

Agreed--same swing, slightly different pitch trajectory.......

[Lady_Knights]

thanks oh and about that weight you were gonna send me, dont worry about it, I got one

Sorry James, I never came across it, then I just plain forgot about it.

[TG Coach]

I was ahead of the curve when I started coaching 7/8 softball. I didn't realize softball players swung differently at that time. I taught all the girls to hit rotational.

[jamesh23]

Sorry James, I never came across it, then I just plain forgot about it.

dont worry, its the thought that counts

[Sammy]

Very true that the swing mechanics for POWER hitting in fastpitch are identical to baseball, and should be taught the same way. However, softball presents different scenarios. For instance, you'll rarely, if ever, see a slap hit into the dirt to bounce the ball over the third baseman's head. Very effective for fastpitch, but a sure out in baseball.

The closer field distances in softball mandate a different and specialized approach to "small ball". Being a much quicker game, there is every reason to take advantage of those differences. Slapping, drag & push bunting, half-swing place hitting - all are valuable skills to learn for softball.

Who knows? Maybe with the scrutinizing of performance enhancers in baseball, we'll see a return to a game with more strategy than just "over the fence" power...