5 Core Mechanics to a Good Baseball and Softball Swing

5 Core Mechanics to a Good Baseball and Softball Swing

By Todd Thomas

In hitting there are 5 core principles that as a hitter you hope to execute on every swing. No thanks to pitchers constantly attempting to mess up a hitter's timing and balance, these core movements aren't always present in every swing. These core mechanics are dependent upon each other for a player to really execute their best swing. In order to successfully execute one's best swing, these "parts" need to work together to maximize the hitting process. These five core principles are the "blueprint" of a hitters basic mechanics. They are:

1. Weight Transfer
2. Hips lead the hands
3. Matching the swing plane to the pitch plane or "leveling"*
*(this involves the shoulder dip, tilting, & getting the bat level to the ball)
4. Ideal contact
5. Staying inside the ball

These principles of hitting are the foundation and are present in every good swing but they are not all always present in EVERY swing from the same player. A player cannot, and will not, be consistently successful if they are regularly lacking in any one of these areas in the hitting process. This is why Ted William's said that hitting a baseball is the single most difficult thing to do in any sport. Although, I tend to disagree with Ted on this thought. Hitting a baseball(or softball) may be the second most difficult thing. I believe TEACHING someone to hit a baseball/softball may be the most difficult thing to do in sports!

Do great hitters always look great or even good at the plate? The simple obvious answer is NO. If the pitcher is successful as they often are, their pitch will take one of the core elements away from the hitter. When this happens take a look at what happens to their swing. The result are often less than favorable in these cases.

Oftentimes, a player who has excellent core hitting mechanics can be struggling at the plate and even look awkward. If you regularly watch a lot of games and hitters as I do, you will clearly recognize when a hitter gets into advantageous hitting positions and when they obviously did not. In the situations when their swing looked "bad", that doesn't mean that the hitter has poor hitting mechanics. Rather, something in the process was slightly off. One(or more) of the core mechanics was out of whack for whatever reason. A lot of times it's a hitter's rhythm, timing and tempo that are off and they are "chasing" a pitch the pitcher fooled them with. Whatever the pitcher has done, it has worked in that the hitters core mechanics are thrown off. As well all know, this doesn't always mean the hitter doesn't get a hit. We've all seen the crazy off-balance swing where the hitter drops one in for a base hit. As well as, we have all seen the "perfect" swing where the hitter smokes the ball only to have it fielded for an out by the defense.

One thing to add here is two-strike situation. A hitter should be less concerned with staying perfect with their mechanics and should be simply focusing on doing whatever it takes to make contact and put the ball in play. There is typically not much a hitter can do when they have two strikes on them except let the ball travel as deep as possible and simply put the bat in the path of the ball. Any thoughts of putting the perfect swing on a pitch when a hitter has two strikes must be out the window and he/she should focus on making the adjustments necessary to put the ball in play.

What is the perfect swing anyway? It's the adjustments a hitter makes appropriate to the pitch they get. This is the reason why a lot of times no two swings look very similar. It all starts with the core mechanics and then expands from there. Every element is necessary to maximize the swing process to a consistently high level. When a player is taught improper core mechanics or if core mechanics are not firmly established, hitting problems are exacerbated greatly and hitting frustration is escalated. Learning the core mechanics and learning them correctly while continually working on them is crucial to all hitters.

Todd Thomas is a Baseball Coach and Professional Hitting Instructor for Mike Epstein Hitting. Coach Todd's personal hitting website is http://www.HitItHere.net. Coach Todd also enthusiastically endorses http://PlayMyBestBaseball.com as a place where baseball and softball hitters can master the Confidence, Composure, Focus and Consistency of their game so they can reach their full potential.

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Softball Coaching Drills - Know What to Look For

Too often in any sport, a coach will have his/her team go through drills without paying attention to what the players are doing. This happens in softball too. Drills are not any good if a coach doesn’t watch what’s happening and correct the mistakes. All drills require coaching. The three broad categories for softball coaching drills are hitting, throwing, and fielding.

By Becky Wittenburg

Softball Coaching Drills for Hitting

Anytime players are practicing hitting the ball, a coach should be looking to make sure the player isn’t doing anything that will make it difficult to hit the ball.

For example, hitters want to keep their back foot planted firmly at all times. The front foot on hitters should stride straight at the pitcher. Stepping away from the plate is called “stepping into the bucket” and should be corrected by a coach. Also, a coach should make sure the players don’t pull their head (and eyes) off the ball while they’re swinging.

A few other things a coach should look at are the position of the hands before, during, and after a swing, the position of the back elbow before the swing, and how tightly a player grips the bat.

Softball Coaching Drills for Throwing


Players should be required to practice a variety of softball coaching drills that test a player’s ability to throw strong and accurately from a many different distances. While the players are throwing, the coach should be looking at the thrower’s feet, arms, and upper body. Improper footwork, upper body rotation, and/or arm movement can (and most likely will) result in inaccurate and/or weak throws.

Coaches need to make sure a player’s feet are moving toward the target, the upper body should swivel away from and then to and through the target, and both arms should come-up, the front elbow should point toward the target, and then fall away as the throwing arm comes through.

Softball Coaching Drills for Fielding


When fielding the ball, the main thing a player wants to do is keep the ball in front of him/her. This is done by a player moving to be completely in front of a ball and keeping his/her shoulders square to the ball. This is so important that every softball coaching drill should require a player to do this.

Coaches all need to make sure players slide their feet to get in front of the ball, that players bend at the knees to field the ball, and that the players scoop the ball with two hands and cradle it into their body.

Getting the Most of Softball Drills


In order for softball drills to be effective, coaches need to watch players perform the softball drills and then correct players’ mistakes. The three broad categories of softball coaching drills are hitting, throwing, and fielding. There are very specific things that every coach should look for while players are practicing softball drills.

Coach Becky has been coaching softball for well over a decade. She's constantly on the lookout for new softball coaching drills You can get instant access to a sample of her softball practice plans by visiting her website:

SoftballSpot.com

For a limited time, all coaches who visit Becky's site will also get a free copy of her special report: "The 7 Biggest Mistakes Softball Coaches Make". Go get your free copy today!

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Fast Pitch Softball Bats

Fast Pitch Softball Bats

By Rately Gardie

Fast pitch softball has been a popular American sport for decades, but it wasn't until the sport was added to the 1996 Olympics and got worldwide recognition, that it became the hugely popular phenomenon that it is today. Unlike many other team sports, the appeal of fast pitch softball is that a player can get satisfaction and recognition from their own success, as well as help propel their team to championships. The success of the individual player depends on several factors: as usual practice makes perfect, but knowing the strategies of the game and investing in quality equipment such as high end fast pitch softball bats can also give a player a big push towards success.

Fast pitch softball is different from slow pitch in the way the ball is thrown to the batter. In fast pitch, pitchers use a "windmill" type pitch that starts at their hip then rapidly bringing it up over their head and back around to the hip. The skill in this pitch lies in knowing exactly when to release the ball and how to perfectly flick the wrist at the end. The perfect release will give a spin to the ball and contributes to the speed of the pitch. The pitch is so fast at 70mph that reaction time on a standard diamond with 40-43 feet from mound to plate is the same as a baseball pitch at 100mph from 60 feet away.

And this is where practice comes into play. The player really needs to be familiar with the types of pitches thrown at them, and comfortable with the weight and feel of their fast pitch softball bat. Having the perfectly proportioned bat is very important. The right length and weight can make a tremendous difference in how far the player hits. In general, the bat should be long enough to reach the players wrist when they stand it on end. To pick the correct weight, the player really needs to practice swinging the bat and testing how well they can control it without strain. What you're looking for is a bat that is the heaviest the player can manage without losing swing speed.

The material the fast pitch softball bat is made of also makes a big different. Bats are made of graphite, carbon, aluminum, or a composite. Composite bats offer the greatest variety of weight to length ratios, and can withstand more of an all-weather beating than their aluminum or carbon compatriots. Brands that make high quality composite bats include Miken, Combat, Anderson, and DeMarini.

For more information about FastPitch Softball Bats please visit on http://www.wcsportinggoods.com

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Youth Fastpitch Softball Bunt Coverage

If you are coaching youth softball, the most effective offensive weapon is to utilize the bunt. As such, having an effective fastpitch softball bunt coverage scheme is essential to playing winning defensive softball. If your team cannot effectively shut down your oppenent's short game, your team will be at the mercy of the other team. This article covers the softball strategy for all nine positions on the field for every bunting situation.

By Jim Moyer

To be a solid fastpitch softball defensive team, your team must be well-drilled in fastpitch softball bunt coverage. This article will discuss the standard scheme that works best for your base defense. Moreso than other softball skills, practice and repetition will be paramount in executing bunt coverage, as this play requires an inordinate amount of team chemistry.

The typical layout of your defensive unit should have the 1st baseman playing in towards home about 3-5 feet. The 2nd baseman and Shortstop should be positioned somewhere behind the baseline (depending on the age and level of competition). The 3rd baseman should be positioned about 10-12 feet inside the bag towards home plate. This base positioning dictates that the 3rd baseman, 1st baseman, pitcher and catcher are the four players in position to field the ball. The ideal player to field the ball is the 3rd baseman. She needs to be the General on the field on bunt coverage plays as she is the player moving towards the play at 1st base and she should have the best vision of the entire play. As she is charging the ball, she needs to make the call as to who will field the ball. How many times have we seen 2 or more players converge on the ball and think the other player will make the play only to make no play at all? Too many! The 3rd baseman should be charging the ball and call the position of the player that is in the best position to make the play.

Probably the hardest bunt to field is the ball placed about 6 feet in front of home plate and down the 1st baseline. This is a prime example where team chemistry will come in to play. The 3rd baseman will have to quickly assess who has the best play on the ball. Typically, the catcher would be the preferred choice since her momentum is headed towards 1st base; however, she may have been slow getting out of her position.

Softball Bunt Coverage - No Runners on Base

With no runners on base, 1st, Pitcher, Catcher, and 3rd are going to crash the ball. The 2nd baseman has the responsibility to cover 1st base and receive the throw. The rightfielder should take an angle to about 20 - 30 feet behind 1st base and near the foul line to cut off any errant throws. It's critical for the rightfielder to maintain a safe distance behind 1st base otherwise the errant throw to 1st base could well end up in the right field corner for a homerun. The centerfielder should take an angle to be positioned behind the rightfielder to help with retrieving an errant throw. The shortstop should head to 2nd base in case of an error at 1st base. The leftfielder should take an angle to position herself behind the shortstop.

Softball Bunt Coverage - Runner on 1st Base

TAKE THE OUT AT 1ST BASE!!! Don't even consider going for the lead runner and trying to get the out at 2nd base. It's fools gold and you would be lucky to make that play 10% of the time. All of the player's positioning is the same except for the shortstop and leftfielder. This is the MOST DISCIPLINED PLAY the shortstop will have to make. Her instinct is to cover 2nd base for a steal, however, if she does that and the bunt is put in play, it will turn into a foot race between her and the runner to get to 3rd base (If the runner on 1st sees the shortstop at 2nd, she just continues running to 3rd knowing it's going to be a very difficult play for shortstop to run from 2nd to 3rd and be in position to make a catch and tag). To play this correctly, position the shortstop 5 feet closer to 2nd base so she is in position to cover the steal without having to break to the base prior to knowing if the ball is successfully bunted. If the ball is not bunted, she covers 2nd base for the steal. If the ball is successfully bunted she covers 3rd base. She can't cheat to cover 3rd base either, or if the runner on 1st is stealing the shortstop will be out of position to take the throw. The leftfielder will take an angle to be about 20 - 30 feet behind 3rd base and on the left field foul line to back up an errant throw.

Softball Bunt Coverage - Runners on 1st and 2nd Base

Again, TAKE THE OUT AT 1ST BASE!!! Depending on the age and skill level of your team, it may be possible to get the lead runner at 3rd base. If the bunt is very short so the catcher can make a quick play, of if the bunt is too hard and the pitcher or 1st baseman can make a quick play, it COULD be possible to get the runner out at 3rd base. However, the odds are certainly not in your favor, and if the play is unsuccessful the result is having the bases loaded. Coverage on this play is the same as the coverage for a runner on 1st base coverage. The noted exception is the rightfielder needs to know on an overthrow she should be prepared to throw the ball home. Also, the leftfielder needs to take her backup position behind 3rd base in case the play is attempted at 3rd base.

Softball Bunt Coverage - Bases Loaded

The unique thing about this play is that either 1st base or Catcher needs to make the call as to where to throw the ball. The 3rd baseman and pitcher have a much more difficult time knowing how close the runner is to home plate. Also unique for this play, is that the catcher needs more discipline. She must immediately determine if another fielder can play the ball and toss it to her for the force out at home. If this is the case, she needs to take a 1st baseman's stance at the plate and be prepared to receive the throw and then throw to 1st base for a double play. She must also determine if she is the only player that can make a play on the ball and get the out at either home or 1st base. This is a pressure play on the defense, but with a fair amount of practice should be able to make the play at home on a fairly routine basis. If there is ever ANY DOUBT about making the out at home, the fielders must take the out at 1st base.

Softball Bunt Coverage - Look for the Double Play

When runners are on base and the bunt play is on, this is an ideal time to look for the double play. Typically the runners, especially a trailing runner, will take sizeable leadoffs on when the bunt is on. Train your players to react to a bunt that is popped up in the air. The easiest runner to double up is generally a runner on 1st base. Catch the pop up and fire the ball to 1st base for the force out. The lead runner is usually in a good enough position to be able to return to her base safely, however she probably is out of position to be able to advance when you throw to 1st for the double play.

Softball Bunt Coverage - Take the Out

Almost without exception, your team is far better off taking the out at 1st base. Considering the difficulty of getting the lead runner and the position you leave yourself in if the play is not successful, it's hardly ever worth the risk of going for the lead runner. I would submit the only time when it is imperative to get the lead runner is when the game-winning run is on 3rd base. Even if it is the game tying run on 3rd base, I would strongly consider taking the out at 1st base and allowing the runner on 3rd to score. If you go for the out at home and are unsuccessful, you have allowed the game to be tied and allowed the winning run on base or advance on the bases without getting an out. As a coach, you are finding a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, and that's not a good thing.

Remember that the key to having a successful fastpitch defense is to make a very high percentage of easy outs. You must avoid giving up big innings to your opponent. In fastpitch softball, one big offensive inning can very easily decide the game. If you repeatedly play for the lead runner, you will consistently give up big innings. Further, if you can NOT shut down your opponents bunting game, you don't have much of a chance to win. In another article on this site, I tell the story of bunting 10 batters in a row one inning. Trust me, you don't want to be the team that sees 10 bunts in a row. That means your team can't cover the bunt, and you can't win the game. For the best way to practice your softball bunt coverage scheme please refer to the article The Bunting Game located at http://www.mysoftballcoach.com/bunting.html

Now, Go get ‘em coach!

Jim Moyer is the author of http://www.mysoftballcoach.com Having coached over 500 youth fastpitch softball games, Jim decided to put the information online to allow parent/coaches to draw on his unique experience.

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Fastpitch Softball Hitting Drills

Fastpitch Softball Batting machine by Nedco Sports


Fastpitch Softball Hitting Drills
By Marc Dagenais

Here are some great softball hitting drills for you to use which will improve your performance with the bat:

Drill 1 - Barrier Behind

Purpose: To emphasize taking the hands directly to the ball and keeping the barrel up.

Procedure: The batter's rear foot is parallel to the side of a batting cage and in contact with the net. The batter swings by taking her hands to the ball and keeping the bat barrel up. The bat should not touch the barrier on the swing.

Drill 2 - Look at Pitcher, Then Hit

Purpose: To practice refocusing from the pitcher to the point of contact.

Procedure: The batter at a T looks out at an imaginary pitcher and then refocuses on the T and takes a normal swing.

Drill 3 - Drop Toss

Purpose: To develop hand speed to the ball.

Procedure: The batter assumes her stance with a partner facing her with the ball held at should height. The batter tells the partner when to drop the ball. The partner releases the ball and pulls her arm up away from the strike zone. The batter takes a full swing.

Drill 4 - Rise-Ball Pitcher

Purpose: To practice hitting a rise ball.

Procedure: Take the legs off the pitching machine and position the machine on the ground. The pitched ball will then come from a low position to a high position. The batter must swing at only strikes. This drill can be done on the field with fielders and base runners on in a batting cage.

Drill 5 - Target Hitting

Purpose: To develop the right-handed batter's skill of hitting an outside pitch to right field and an inside pitch to left field, and vice versa for the left-handed batter.

Purpose: In batting practice the batter must hit into an assigned area of the field. For example, the first pitch a right-handed batter hits must be to right field. She will need to be sure to wait for an outside pitch. On her next swing she must try to pull the ball, and therefore look for an inside pitch. This drill can be done with or without fielders and base runners.

Marc Dagenais is a softball peak performance coach that provides softball tips, softball drills, and information on techniques for hitting, pitching, coaching, and training through his blog at http://www.softballperformance.com/blog

He also helps softball players and coaches improves their game by sharing with them the tips and strategies used by the world's best softball players and coaches to achieve extraordinary performances. You can sign-up to get his FREE Softball Tips at http://www.softballperformance.com/softball-tips.html Go Sign-up Now!

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Softball Hitting, Softball Pitching - How to Do It!

Softball Batting Machine By Nedco Sports

Just like any other sports, softball has many skills to learn for you to be able to play it well. It is a must that one should really know some of those facts. Like batting, fielding, catching, running and pitching. These are some of the basics that anyone who is interested in playing softball, they should try first to master each skill.

By Marc Dagenais

In 1887, George Hancock and his baseball players were resting because of the winter outside. To keep them in shape, Mr. Hancock thinks of a way on how are they practice baseball. There, the first softball was played and was initially named as "indoor baseball." Decade passed, more terms were tagged to this game but it gained popularity among the people in our country. Today, everybody loves softball. This is the game that always unites people, be it with the boys or girls, whites or blacks.

Just like any other sports, softball has many skills to learn for you to be able to play it well. It is a must that one should really know some of those facts. Like batting, fielding, catching, running and pitching. These are some of the basics that anyone who is interested in playing softball, they should try first to master each skill.

Pitching will be the concentration of this article because this is the one that starts the ball flying. In layman's term, pitching also means throwing. But throwing the softball is not just mere skill in this game. One should master the art of pitching so that you may provide the game with more excitement and fun.

Learning how to do it is quite easy; you just have to follow the tips below. Put in mind that once you are already playing the game; always remember the following so that you would be able to pitch the ball correctly.

1. Make sure that your pitching arm pass overhead (just like the 12 o'clock position) while your weight is on the drive leg.
2. Swing you arms up as your body moves along with it.
3. Land with your stride leg pointed at about 30 to 45 degrees to maintain your balance.
4. Release the ball once it is beside your hip.
5. Push your drive leg off the pitching rubber to give you more power.

Once you have tried doing those things, you will end up successfully in pitching the ball to the batter. But, there are also some nonsense actions that you should avoid while pitching.

1. Do not let your balance arm swing off to the side because this will diminish your pitching power as you throw the ball. As you bring your arms up, your pitching arm should make a 360-degree rotation while your balance arm will go up for 90 degrees.

2. As you raise up your hand, just stand straight. Do not lean over for this will cause you to let the ball go late.

3. If you do not want to have any ankle, knee or hip injury, do not land on the side ways of your stride leg.

4. The ball should be released behind the shoulders. Do not release the ball in front of your body foe you can't pitch it to your maximum power.

Pitching could be as easy as that, but it plays an important role in playing the softball. Its crucial role would determine if you will win the game or not!

Marc Dagenais, MHK, CSCS, is a softball peak performance coach that helps players and teams hit with more power, run faster, throw harder, become mentally tougher, and be more dominant on the softball field. To get tons of great FREE softball pitching tips to boost your game, visit us at: http://www.softballperformance.com

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Realities of Softball Coaching

www.SoftballrUs.com

Softball is a game that needs a lot of preparation and timing. It is a process wherein the proper coordination of mind and body is needed. A sound mind and a sound body.

By Marc Dagenais

Yes, there is much truth about this adage. If you really are fit, you should think of the good things that will happen to you and to your softball career.

The same is true with softball coaching. Coaching requires the full attention and full awareness of your softball players. Once you said that you are a coach that means you are already signing the contract of being their second parent. You now begin to be more responsible, more mature and more attentive with their needs. As second parent, you have also the chance to own them during practice and game time. This means that you have the power to give them commands that they should follow. But these commands must be of great help to their softball development and not to torture them.

There are several ways on how to improve your performance as a softball coach. Read on and you'll know what I am talking about.

A softball coach is someone who knows the basics of the game. He was also once a softball player. A coach who hasn't played the softball himself will never become the best coach. Coaching is about demonstration. The coach must not only command through words. He must teach new skills and techniques by doing it. It is true that you can really learn by doing. The players can learn fast if they can see you portraying the new skills you teach.

Remember that a softball coaching expert is a normal person just like you. A softball coach is always tired. Yet, he always smiles. There are no qualms about this. He gets mad when you can't get a skill easily. He smiles when you make a great move. He reprimands you if you will not follow. He taps your shoulder if you hit or pitched the ball well.

There are actually a lot of attitudes a softball coach has. They are just normal people with normal feelings. The players must also understand that the softball coaches are there to encourage you. It is your job also not to discourage them.

All in all, the softball coaching involves a give and take relationship between the player and the coach. If both participate well, then a happy, harmonious and productive softball game will be displayed in any softball field.

The true meaning of coaching is to unleash the potentials of people by helping and teaching them in an enthusiastic atmosphere. Softball coaching is just like being a teacher who guides his pupils. In your daily life, there are so many people around you who are always guiding and supporting you. Coaching begins from your families and friends. They are always there to motivate you and for you to not lose hope. They serve are your lifetime coach, and your daily life if the diamond where you play.

Marc Dagenais is a softball peak performance coach that helps softball players and coaches improves their game by sharing with them the tips and strategies used by the world's best softball players and coaches to achieve extraordinary performances. Visit his site and sign-up to get his FREE softball hitting tips!

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