For some slow pitch softball players having a perfect slow pitch softball swing seems like a dream. They give their best and use all the tactics that they know yet they are unable to hit the right spot. In today’s post, we would like to share with you some of the secrets behind a perfect slow pitch softball swing. Using these tips, you can achieve amazing swing.
To start off, you should remember that there are some basic techniques behind a slow pitch softball swing. Considering each step one by one and mastering it will help you in getting a perfect swing.
These basic mechanics include
- Stance
- Stride
- Rotation
- Hand Movement
- Finishing the Swing
Each of these mechanics is explained in detail below. After perfecting each of these steps will you be able to have perfect slow pitch softball swing.
Stance
Stance is basically the positioning of your body before swinging the slow pitch softball. Each player positions themselves according to their own choice. When it comes to Stance, two factors are very important. First stance contributes into achieving mental focus. Second is the stabilization of your lower body.
In order to have a perfect stance, you need to clear your mind off of other distractions, keep both your eyes focused on the ball, properly place both your feet in the batter’s box and remain steady. Your perfect swing is based on your perfectly stable body for which you need to adjust your lower body in a way so as to form a pyramid, all balanced and strong.
The stance of your body should be such that your lower body remains solid and firm while your upper body including your shoulders, hands and fingers are relaxed at the same time. For a perfect swing, you should always remember to put weight on your back foot.
Stride
Stride is considered the most crucial step while trying to achieve a perfect slow pitch softball swing. It is the first reaction that you give to the ball that is coming towards you. During the stride, you need to make a linear movement, shifting the load to your back foot and lifting the front one in the air, while doing this process slowly in order to have a perfect swing.
You should remember that unlike baseball, the softball will come towards you at a very slow pace and therefore requires you to take action slowly. Any quick batting movements will lead you to lose your stance resulting into a waste shot. You need to practice as much as you can so that you are able to develop that slow response required for a perfect swing.
Rotation
Just after the stride movement, you undergo rotation in which you rotate your body using your shoulders, feet, knees and hip section. Often players get confused at this point as this step involves a number of body movements. To put it simply you need to initially rotate clockwise in a way so as to keep your knee and back foot facing the pitcher.
Then you can generate sufficient power by rotating your hips and shoulders counter clockwise. Consider this movement similar to the one of a slamming door. This will help you in making the right move. Up till now you should be able to store and accumulate enough power and energy that can be released in the next step in an attempt of having a perfect swing.
Hand Movement
Hand movement should start from your shoulders, passing through the elbows to your hands. You should observe that there are again two movements taking place in this step that need to be mastered. First is the motion of your arms in which you pull the knob of your bat and begin transferring your power from the lower part of your arms to your hands. Here you wish to send all the energy from your lower body to your wrists.
In the second step you utilize all the energy and snap your wrists at contact. You should move your wrists with maximum power in order to get maximum batspeed.
Finishing the Swing
You should continue your swing until all the energy stored in your hands is lost. If you suddenly interrupt and do not let all the energy release through your hands, this may affect your overall swing. In all these steps the most important thing is timing. You need to understand where a faster movement is required and where you should remain slow.
Remember, perfecting a swing is not a piece of cake. It will require your effort, energy and hard work. Without practicing you cannot expect to master your swing.
To help you even more, there are professional instructors out there who make videos and write articles to help players like you who are looking to have a perfect slow pitch softball swing. You should follow these experts for a meaningful and a more interactive guide!