
Slo-pitch softball players have to supply all of the power in hitting a softball. Once you learn this it will help you to develope your swing the right way for hitting a softball pitched to you at approximitely 25 miles an hour. It's not like hitting a baseball where there is considerable speed from the pitcher.
Average and Power hitters both use simular mechanics as they attempt to accelerate the bat head through the hitting zone. By transferring their weight from the back foot to the front during their swing will help determine just how far the ball will go once contact is made.
The photo on the left is of Rick Wheeler from California. Rick (The Pamona Pumper) has a picture perfect swing here. His front leg is stiff and his arms are extended. Rick was considered the Bruce Meade of the West. I first saw him playing with Capitol Insulation back in 1983 at the USSSA Men's Major World Series. He hit some homeruns that weekend that might still be going..
With the ball moving only 25 miles per hour, you are supplying the majority of the power. You can achieve
weight transfer in your swing by stepping to swing. Your weight transfer will start with the pitcher making his motion towards home. You will actually start back just a little to get some momentum going. But what happens here is very important. When you start your swing your weight is on your back foot. As you stride towards the ball you want to keep your front leg almost straight and as you land and follow through your weight will be transferred to your front leg .
The photo on the right is of Richard Wilborn, He was known as the Texas Toranado. Why? Because he would get so much bat speed in his swing. He was not a very big man like the mjority of the players on the circuit. Here is a perfect example of him loading the gun. Coiling back to get more power when he pulls the trigger and brings his swing forward. He gets his weight back by lifting up his front foot. He had a real high leg kick. He would generate more power by doing this.
Once you start your swing forward you need to open up your front foot and step towards the direction your trying tho hit the ball. At this point your back leg will be bent at the knee and you will roll up on you back foot.
Once this is accomplished we have transferred the weight from the back to the front. Key note here is try to drive the ball. This will keep your swing down nice and level. If you come out of the pivot too much you will be hitting off of your front foot and there will not have been any weight transfer. You will basically be hitting with just your top part of your body.. Your leg power is so much a part of your swing. Your leg muscles are the biggest ones in your body so why not use them..
Another muscle that is very important in your swing is your stomach. When you turn on the ball (rotating), by strengthening your abdominal muscles will only help you have a quicker swing through that area.
Things To Remember
1. Your rear foot should be on the ball of the foot as you pivot in your swing.
2. When you start your swing you need to start backswards first to start the coil and then come forward to uncoil.
3. As you swing the bat your top hand should snap the barrel towards the ball, while your front arm pulls.
4. On yor initial start of your swing (coil back) you can use a slight inward turn of the knee or even go as far as using a high leg kick to generate more power.
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