How Do You Develop Fastpitch Softball Players?
Understand the challenge of playing fastpitch softball at the select level. Good pitchers dominate, throwing from short distances (35 to 43 feet, depending on the age) with great velocity and variety. Hitters must develop quick swings. The compact infield and shorter base paths put a premium on bunting and “slap” hitting. The “windmill” pitching motion is more natural than the overhand baseball pitching motion. It puts less stress on shoulders and elbows. Pitchers are able to work several games during a weekend tournament. But the motion is difficult to master without the help of an expert instructor or experienced pitcher. A good fastpitch softball swing is even more compact than a good baseball swing. The bats cuts a diagonal path through the strike zone, from high to low. A good tool to teach this swing is the Louisville Slugger Big Kids Instructo-Swing. An athlete with exceptional speed may want to master “slap” hitting. From the left side of the plate, the hitter moves forward in
