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.

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