Jan. 23, 2003

Correct softball stance

Stance

-feet separated far enough to have good balance
-weight on the balls of the feet
-back foot slightly turned toward pitcher
-knees slightly flexed
-bat at the high part of the strike zone over the back foot
-front arm in a L position
-front elbow and shoulder pointed at the chest of the pitcher
-back elbow relaxed
-front shoulder down
-chin rests on the front shoulder
-bat head at a 45 degree angle
-eyes focused on the pitchers release point

Stride

-short step about 4 inches with the foot in a closed position
-keep weight balanced

Swing

-attack the ball
-step back at the ball
-short swing
-lead with elbow, then knob and finish with bat head
-pivot on back foot driving your hip through
-snap bat all the way through

Head

-head does not move
-chin rest on front shoulder
-eyes on pitcher release point
-follow the ball all the way to point of contact
-chin rest on the back shoulder when swing is complete

Reasons for Hitting Miscues

Popping up
-dropping hands
-front shoulder angled up
-chest up
-hitting under the ball

Swinging late
-bat too heavy
-front arm is not in a L position
-front shoulder is not facing the pitcher (wrapped)
-poor timing
-lack of bat speed

Missing the ball
-eyes not tracking the ball all the way to contact
-dropping down or raising up changes the level the hitter sees the ball
-not hitting down through the strike zone

Not driving the ball
-hitting off the front foot
-not using the legs
-not snapping back hip through