Anyone have any slow pitch softball hitting tips?  Or any good hitting websites?
451362
First, don't try to "kill" the ball. That will throw you WAY off. Either right or left handed, you can swing sooner and/or later and shift which way the ball goes...best way to hit is stand straight with the batter's box and when you swing, step in to the swing. This will give you more momentum on your bat.\n\nOne of the biggest mistakes that you can do, though really, is "killing" the ball. A lot of times, it will send a ball straight into foul play.
1124851
Rest your pen, have the pitcher bunt, save the pinch hitter for later in the game. If your pitcher has that low pitch count and has given up only 5 hits, leave him in at least one more inning. If all goes right, you've got 2nd and 3rd w/2 outs and still have your starter on the mound. Just have your runners moving on the pitch to avoid DP.
635065
Use a crow-step if you're an outfielder. It allows your body to help push the ball for some extra distance. Although it adds additional power to your throw, it eats up some time if you are a novice, so ask your coach about using it for further info.\n\nWhen batting, make sure to put a good twist in your hips as this adds more power to your swing. Do not focus on power, however, until you have mastered technique. Otherwise you will pick up bad batting habits. Also, ensure that you are never pulling your head away from the ball. Many unknowingly do this and whiff.\n\nHope that helps at least a little. \n\nTry browsing this for more in-depth advice: http://www.baseballtips.com/newsletter/tipsarchive.html
1173324
keep your eye on the ball and swing fast. Get as far in on the plate as you safely can. That way you can at least catch a piece of it. Its your bat speed you need to increase. Try hitting skittles and let someone time you (seriously) Let them see how long it takes for you to swing and get back into stance to be ready for the next one. The skittles help your accuracy because they are small and the bright colors help you to see them. It will help your speed guaranteed. See how long it takes you to hit ten and then start over and try to beat your own speed. Do this over and over. IT works.
1098967
http://www.softballoutlet.com/ has cards, thought they don't have much but they might put out some more. I think that's really the only place you can buy softball trading cards other than maybe ebay.
466195
I think the best drill to do is to practice getting a feel for the size of the ball.  Practice against the wall by repeatedly setting the ball against the wall.  You can even look at markings on the wall and try to set the ball to touch the mark.  You can try different distances from the wall too.\n\nIf you have access to a weighted setters ball (kind of like a tetherball but volleyball sized) you can try to practice setting with that.  It should strengthen your wrists.\n\nSince you are on the shorter side, I would say it's also a good idea to learn to use your knees and weight to get more power into your set (allowing you to set higher/farther).  I don't have a lot of experience with this (I am a 5'6" guy with very good "hops") however but supposedly that helps.\n\nYou can also work on a "back set" where you set the hitter behind you.  If you develop a smooth back set, you can freeze the middle blocker from always committing to the side you are setting.  The key to this is to not arch your back too much and release the ball slightly behind "overhead."  You can work on your quick sets to keep the opponent off balance (1's) too.\n\nThe key to setting is control.  I say you should never be so aggressive to force a set.  If you get a bad pass, it's better to just get it up so that it's playable, even if it's off the net.  Putting up a nice "10" is better than forcing a bad outside.  You should think about your hitters' angles too.  It is much more difficult for a hitter to hit a set that is coming from directly behind them.  For example, if you receive a bad pass at the 5 position (right back), it is better to set the weak side (2 position) or the middle hitter (3 position).  The strong side hitter (4 position) will have a bad angle and it will be more difficult for that person to get a good hit.  Also you can work on your "pass" (or "bump"--the colloquial term) as a set too if the pass is too low.\n\nAnother important point is communication.  You should call "help" early and AUDIBLY if you cannot get to it.  If you should wish, you can say something like "right here" or something like that so that your teammates can hear where you are as they are passing to you.  I can tell you the main difference I see in high school players versus older, more experienced players is their talking.  You should help call in or out if you can.  You can communicate to your hitters how many blockers they are going up against right after you set it, you can call out "one" or "two" or whatever.  Or you can tell them where to hit it (line, angle, etc.) or adjust your sets based on what the opponent is blocking.\n\nI can go on an on about this, obviously.  But communication is key.  Your coach will love you for talking.\n\nOne thing that you can also do is to find out where and how your hitters like to be set.  I have hitters who like their sets really high, others who like it rather low (i.e. "loop") and others who like it "off" and others who like it "tight."  Finding that out will help you set them better and thus make you look better.
85610
I hope this helps:\n\nhttp://local.yahoo.com/FL/Tampa/Recreation+Sporting+Goods/Softball
764796
Doing curls or dips won't necessarily improve the speed of your ball.  Concentrate on the mechanics of pitching.  Good mechanics will help with the velocity of the pitch.  Lifting weights is very important for pitchers but having big arms won't make you throw harder.  Lift light when doing arms but concentrate on your legs and your mid-section.  Long toss is also a big help.  One more thing, make sure you stretch after you lift to make sure you don't lose flexibility
965116
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Softball - a great article outlining the basics of the game\n\nhttp://www.internationalsoftball.com - the homepage of the sport's world governing body - a lot of great info here too. \n\nhttp://www.megaone.com/cardiffcubs/ - a homepage for one of the better UK domestic softball teams\n\n\nHope this helps!\n\nLuke
1032509
Depends on what aspect and type of softball your referring to. \n\nSlowpitch softball is alright, although it's pretty much a hitter's game and the most intriguing question is who's going to buy the beer aftewards.\n\nFastpitch softball is a fantastic game, particulary in regards to the different types of pitches.  The only complaint I have, particularly once you get into the higher levels (women's college world series, for example), is that the games are so low scoring.  You get to see the best pitchers dominate the best hitters, but a 1-0 game with 18 Ks by one pitcher is tough to swallow night after night.  I also wish there were a few more extra base hits - it seems that if it's not a slap single, it's a HR.  Plus I get confused with the switching rules of when a player can go and re-enter.\n\nBaseball seems to be the more complex of the two, particularly when you look at the specialization in certain areas, particularly pitching.  There seems to be a bit more going on throughout the game as far as strategy, but the same could be said for softball.\n\nFor fun, it's softball.  For strategy and complexity, I'll take baseball.
686909
Learn how to throw a Slider or a Knuckler(KnuckleBall) Those 2 pitches drop and are pretty tough to hit when thrown right! Kick A$$ Man!
135447
I have been playing softball for 9 years and my advice to you is... (1)get hitting lessons.  You can't learn how to play if you don't have face to face instruction by a recommended coach. (2)If you get a good enough trainer they can teach you fielding too which, like hitting, you need one on one training. (3)buy a book of ASA rules.  You need to be familiar with them before you play or you can cost your team a lot of money. (4)Finally, if your coach tells you to play a position that you don't normally play, go there anyway because normally a former player or a coaches favorite so you will not have much chance.Also do not make  a big deal about injuries or the coach will take you as not tough enough and you will either not make it or make a lower level team then you deserve.  If you are seeking more help read softball for dummies.  The title throws you off but it really is a good book to read and I think it can really help you.  Good Luck!!
835974
A goof place to start looking for softball teams (or any sport for that matter) is www.eteamz.com!\n\n\nGood Luck on your search!
685360
aukinomatt, is there anything I can help you with? I've been bowling 20+ years, am a junior coach, and have a 185+ average. You're welcome to email me if you like. gojenni714@yahoo.com
986694
For digging....Make sure you are not swinging at the ball. If you have your hands in the right place and the hit is hard enough, the ball will pop right off your platform. (also....have your hands positioned to the setter so your ball won't go right in front of you) \n\nFor serve receive....Before a game...try to know what types of serves your opponent has. Float serves will tend to change direction at the last second, so be ready to move your feet. For top spin, getting to the right place is half the battle. Then just stick out your hands and angle to the target. (might require slight movement of the platform) For jump serve, it is likedigging, stick tyour hands out and angle because it is coming hard. \n\nFor passing...stay low (Good tip someone told me: if you can touch the ground without having to really extend your arm...you are low enough.) Also, have your feet spread out a little more than shoulder's length so you can move quickly and not easily fall over. IF you are over-passing, take a little off and aim behind to the ten foot line and maybe then the pass will land past what you aimed for and to the correct  spot.
174964
Spend some time on this site;\n\n\nhttp://eteamz.active.com/fastpitch/boards/fastpitch/
358131
Try www.fanball.com. I've used them in the past. They give pretty good advice and their commissioner package is the cheapest while still being pretty kick as.s.