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Plain and simple, championship teams score runs. Their offenses are consistent, aggressive, opportunistic, and disciplined. They may manufacture runs or rely on the long ball, but they score early and often. And they win.
High-Scoring Softball is the definitive guide for offensive play. The game’s most successful coaching duo, Ralph and Karen Weekly, share the approach that has shaped some of the game’s top scoring offenses and generated more than 1,700 career victories.
Inside you’ll find detailed instruction, advice, and coaching tips on mastering offensive fundamentals, such as baserunning, bunting, slap hitting, and hitting for power and average. You’ll learn how to evaluate your team’s talents, tendencies, and strengths and create a potent, offensive attack. And a detailed analysis of common game situations provides you with strategies and advice for capitalizing on every opportunity.
Defense may win games, but only if you score. With High-Scoring Softball you will score and you will win. It will change the way you play the game.
Chapter 1 Bunting
Chapter 2 Slap Hitting
Chapter 3 Baserunning
Chapter 4 Hitting for Average
Chapter 5 Hitting for Power
Chapter 6 Bat Speed
Chapter 7 Offensive Strategies
Chapter 8 Playing Within Your Team
Chapter 9 Communication
Chapter 10 The Mental Game
Appendix I: Offensive Circuit Training
Appendix II: Poor Man’s Circuit
Appendix III: 150 Swings for Success
Ralph and Karen Weekly are head coaches at the University of Tennessee, where they have led the Lady Vols to a staggering 514 wins since 2002. The duo has celebrated over 1,700 combined career victories and received numerous honors, including being named SEC Co-Coach of the Year twice and the NFCA Region Coaching Staff of the Year in 2005, 2007, and 2010. They have led Tennessee to four top three national finishes in the annual Women's College World Series, to four NCAA Regional and Super Regional Championships, and have participated in the SEC Tournament nine times, including four championships. The two led Pacific Lutheran University to NAIA national championship titles in 1988 and 1992 and were named National Coaches of the Year during that time. The duo has had 40 All-SEC or All-Freshman selections, 34 Louisville Slugger/NFCA All Region selections, 21 Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-America selections, and 12 CoSIDA/Capital One Academic All-American selections.
Ralph Weekly enters his 11th season at Tennessee with a prestigious new accolade to include on his already impressive resume: The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) recently honored his efforts in a distinguished three-decade career with a 2011 induction into the NFCA Hall of Fame. During his 24-year coaching career, Ralph has been successful at every stop, amassing 1,015 overall collegiate victories and second most championships in both armed forces as well as international softball. Ralph has coached teams including the U.S. Air Force, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and University of Tennessee. He was the hitting coach for the 1996 and 2000 U.S. Olympic softball teams, both of which received gold medals. From 1993 to 2000, he coached (as head or assistant coach) in 13 international events, winning the gold medal in each of them.
Karen Weekly has experienced success both on the field and off, earning awards as a player and a coach. While at Pacific Lutheran University, she was an All-American softball player, led NAIA hitters with a .440 batting average, and was named Female Athlete of the Year. She was a national title-winning assistant coach at PLU in 1988 and 1992 and served as a championship head coach at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. A 15-year collegiate softball head coaching veteran boasting 737 career wins, Karen Weekly is in her 11th season with her husband, Ralph, at the helm of the Lady Volunteer softball program.
“I was blessed to see all these drills in real life and learned exactly what it meant to play smarter, not harder. It's important to bring it every time, whether pitching or hitting, in order to have a high-scoring offense. Playing for the Tennessee Lady Vols helped me see that.”
Monica Abbott-- 2008 Olympian, Holds NCAA Records in Wins and Strikeouts, 2011 NPF Championship MVP
"The Weeklys have done an outstanding job of identifying the critical components of the offense game. Slingshot your game to the next level with High-Scoring Softball."
Sue Enquist-- 27-Year UCLA Softball Coach, 11-Time National Champion, 4-Time Hall of Fame Inductee
How to slap hit using the drag bunt
The drag bunt is an essential tool for a complete slapper.
Drag Bunt
The drag bunt is an essential tool for a complete slapper. The threat of the drag bunt forces the infield corner players to move closer to the plate, thereby opening up more infield gaps to slap through. The footwork described earlier for the crossover step should be used for the drag bunt.
Technique
During the crossover step, the slapper should slide her top (left) hand up the bat as far as possible while remaining comfortable (see figure 2.8a). The bottom (right) hand should remain near the knob of the bat on the grip. Separating the two hands allows for greater bat control. The slapper wants to bring her bottom hand to her right side and keep it close to her body. A common mistake made in bunting is to extend the bottom hand away from the body too much (see figure 2.8b). This causes the barrel to angle toward foul territory, and the batter will bunt the ball foul.
Slappers should have the barrel at the top of the strike zone when they bring it into the contact area. This gives them a guideline for identifying the strike zone. If the barrel is at the top of the zone, the slapper knows that any pitch above the barrel is a ball and that she should let it go. If a pitch is below the barrel but above the knees, the pitch is a strike, and the slapper may want to bunt it. For a low pitch, the slapper will bend her knees to bring the barrel down to the height of the pitch. She does not want to drop the bat head because that will increase her chances of popping up the ball.
At contact, the bat should be level in the zone; the barrel should be even with the handle or slightly out in front. Keeping the barrel out in front of the handle will help ensure that the ball is bunted fair. The slapper needs to “catch” the ball on the bat and should not try to push, drop, or pull back the barrel of the bat. A common mistake that batters make on a drag bunt is to move the barrel at contact in an attempt to direct the ball or deaden it so that it doesn't go too far. Movement creates the opportunity for a foul ball or pop-up. To help avoid this, batters can pretend that there is a fielder's glove on the end of the bat and simply catch the ball.
Slappers can do two things to help deaden a drag bunt: slide their top hand farther up the barrel (see figure 2.9a), and bunt the ball on the top 5 inches of the bat (away from the sweet spot). An easy way to practice bunting the ball on the top 5 inches (12.7 cm) is to place a piece of tape around the barrel 5 inches from the top (figure 2.9b). The slapper must make contact in the area between the end of the bat and the tape. Another trick that some players use to help deaden bunts is to point their index finger up the barrel of the bat. (figure 2.9c).
Placement and Strategy
Unless the slapper is trying to bunt to a specific infielder, the ideal placement for a drag bunt is approximately 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3.0 m) directly in front of home plate. A drag bunt placed an equal distance from the catcher, pitcher, and third- and first-base players will require communication between all four players about who is going to field the bunt. Whenever a batter can create communication issues for the defense, she has also created the potential for miscommunication and mistakes.
The Cones for Placement Targets drill on page 22 is a great way to work on placement for the drag bunt too. Create a circle with either cones or field chalk around the area where you want the ball to be bunted; the slappers then work on placing drag bunts in that area. We like to have contests to see who can place the most bunts in the target zone. There is nothing like competition between players to increase the intensity level and performance.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
Methods of running from first or second base
When a runner begins the play at first or second base, she should use home-to-first running techniques in the following situations: if stealing, if the bunt play is on, or if the ball is put into play in the infield and there is a potential force-out at the base to which she is advancing.
Running From First or Second Base
When a runner begins the play at first or second base, she should use home-to-first running techniques in the following situations: if stealing, if the bunt play is on, or if the ball is put into play in the infield and there is a potential force-out at the base to which she is advancing. If, however, the base runner's teammate (the batter) hits the ball through the infield (and it is not a potential tag-up situation), the runner should use home-to-second running techniques and create a good angle for rounding the next base; she should anticipate advancing two bases instead of just one. Base runners must remember to run until the defense stops them!
Leadoffs
There is an ongoing debate in softball circles about the type of leadoff that players should use on the bases. Some argue that the rocker positioning (see figure 3.6) is best, while others subscribe to the starter positioning (see figure 3.7). On our team, we want players to use whichever positioning helps them to be on time off the base. The base runner can leave the base when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. Therefore, she needs to be sure that she is leaving the base at that time and no later. A runner who is late off the bases is much more vulnerable to a pickoff because she is still moving off the base as the ball is being received by the catcher. A runner who is on time off the base will be balanced and able to get back quickly on a pickoff throw.
Videotape of base runners reveals that many players who use the rocker position actually start too late and are still on the base when the ball is on its way to home plate. In this case, if the players can make the adjustment to starting their motion earlier, they should continue using the rocker position because it gives the runner extra momentum. If they can't make the adjustment, they should switch to the starter position so that they do not lose time on their leadoff.
With either the rocker or starter positioning, the runner should always have her left foot in contact with the base. The front half of the foot should be in contact with the ground, and the back half should be on the base (see figure 3.8). The runner uses the base to push off, much like a starter's block in track. The runner should position her foot on the portion of the base that is closest to the outfield so that she is farthest from a potential pickoff throw by the catcher.
Leads From First Base
From first base, the runner takes a three-step lead, squaring up to the plate on her third step (see figure 3.9 on page 58). The runner must be balanced when she squares up and not leaning toward second base. The distance between home and first is 60 feet—not a very long throw for a catcher attempting a pickoff. A leaning, off-balance runner is an easy target for a pickoff. If the runner takes more than three steps, she will likely be too far off the base and will be vulnerable to a pickoff. The distance of the leadoff may change based on where the first-base player is positioned. If the first-base player is playing close to the base, the runner may have to cut down the distance of her leadoff, and vice versa.
If the runner uses the rocker positioning on the base, her first step with her right foot is step 1, the step with her left foot is step 2, and the last step with her right foot is step 3; she squares her shoulders to the plate on this third step. If the runner uses the starter positioning with her left foot on the base and her right foot in front of the base, the right foot being placed in front at the start counts as the first step. So, the player takes only two additional steps. The second step is with her left foot, and the third step is with her right foot; she squares her shoulders to the plate on this third step. The key is that the runner is no more than three steps off first base and that her feet are in a position to square up to home on the third step.
Leads From Second Base
Regarding placement of the foot on the base and starting positioning, the techniques used at first base apply to leads from second as well. However, the runner now takes a five-step lead. She can afford to do this because the distance from home to second base is 84 feet 10 inches, thus making the catcher's pickoff throw longer. A runner at second base is in scoring position and should be thinking score on any base hit. We tell our runners to take a “scoring lead.” In other words, when taking their lead, they will begin to create the angle for making a good turn at third base. The exceptions to this are the same as at first base—the runner should always run in a straight line to the next base when stealing or if the bunt play is on.
Leads From Third Base
Foot placement and starting positioning remain consistent when the runner is starting at third base. However, some differences exist in the strategy used at third. Unless the suicide squeeze play is on, the player should take a more passive lead. The worst thing that can happen at third is for a runner to be doubled off on a line drive because she was being too aggressive with her leadoff. The runner will score easily on almost every type of base hit to the outfield, so there is no reason to fire off the base too fast or too far and run into a line-drive double play. The runner must also be in position to tag up and score on a ball hit in the air to the outfield. Runners who lead off aggressively often cannot get back in time to tag, and they lose an opportunity to score a run.
Another key at third is to make sure the runner leads off in foul territory (see figure 3.10). If she is struck by a batted ball in foul territory, the ball is dead, and she returns to the base. If, however, she is struck in fair territory, she is automatically out. There is no need to lead off on or inside the baseline and run the risk of being struck by a fair ball. The runner at third base should never lead off beyond the positioning of the third-base player. Doing so will make the runner extremely vulnerable to being picked off by the catcher. This is especially true when a left-handed batter is in the batter's box.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
The importance of balance in softball success
If the batter is off balance during any part of the swing, she will not have the bat control needed to hit the ball where she wants to hit it. A well-balanced batting stance gives the batter a solid attack foundation.
Balance
All great hitters say that balance is extremely important in their success. They talk about balance in the stance, stride, and swing. Balance is especially important to singles hitters and contact hitters who must trust their hands, avoid being anxious, and let the ball come into the zone. If the batter is off balance during any part of the swing, she will not have the bat control needed to hit the ball where she wants to hit it. A well-balanced batting stance gives the batter a solid attack foundation. Balance allows the batter to be relaxed and feel confident in her ability to hit any pitch. Proper balance keeps the head still and allows the batter to see the ball more clearly.
Balance is also important in bunting, and any player who strives for a high batting average must be a very good bunter. She must be proficient at bunting for a hit as well as a sacrifice bunt. When bunting, the batter needs to be balanced on the balls of the feet and must not lean forward or backward.
Balance Beam
Purpose Consistent work on the balance beam reinforces muscle memory and helps the player through all phases of the hitting cycle. This drill is a must-have station for every hitting circuit workout.
Execution This drill requires a balance beam (see figure 4.5). The beam is a piece of 2-by-10-inch wood that is cut 4 feet long. The beam needs three support pieces made of 1-foot-long pieces of a 4-by-4-inch post. A support should be placed at each end of the beam, and one should be placed in the middle. Cover the top of the beam with Astroturf or a similar nonslip surface. The batter takes her normal batting position on the beam and takes full swings off of front tosses. The batter completes three sets of 10 repetitions.
Coaching Points The best setup is to have two balance beams in a cage, one for right-handed batters and one for left-handed batters. This way you do not have to move the beam back and forth.
Variation A second use for the balance beam is to help batters learn to avoid overstriding. To reinforce a short compact stride, have the batters set up 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.0 cm) from the end of the board. From this position, if the batter overstrides, she will get feedback really quickly. One college coach we know takes his hitters to the pool, sets them up 1 to 2 inches from the end of the high-dive board, and has them execute dry swings. He swears they are balanced and do not overstride. Although it may work, we do not recommend this approach.
Bouncing Tennis Balls
Purpose In this drill, the batter works on loading and then striding to attack position. The drill enables the batter to work on the timing of these parts of the swing in relation to the ball.
Execution To begin the drill, the coach takes a position in front and 45 degrees to the right of a right-handed batter (opposite for left-handed batters). Standing at an angle from the batter enables the coach to clearly observe the batter's entire lower body during the hitting process. The coach bounces tennis balls into the correct hitting zone. Bouncing tennis balls are more realistic than tosses because they require the batter to load on the bounce and time her stride to hit the ball as it reaches the optimum contact zone. The batter performs three sets of 10 repetitions.
Coaching Points Balance is important to the loading, striding, and hitting that the batter does in this drill. If the batter is not balanced throughout, this will show immediately, and positive changes can be made. Coaches will quickly see problems such as overstriding, striding open, rolling the front foot, or landing on the front heel. All of these problems seriously affect the batter's balance and ability to hit for average. The drill also allows the coach to observe the load (or negative) move and to help the batter improve this portion of the swing. Another great benefit of this drill is the immediate feedback. The drill allows the coach to bounce the ball on any plane desired. For instance, if a batter is struggling with pitches that are low and in, the coach can bounce it there. If the batter's problems are up and away, the coach can bounce it there.
Variation A variation of this drill is the standing toss. From the same position, the coach can toss to the batter at belt level and also observe every action within the hitting cycle. A good strategy is to begin with 20 bouncing tennis balls, which allows the coach to focus on the lower body and provide constructive feedback after each swing. Then switch to the upper-body toss with the same tennis balls from the same 45-degree angle. This enables the coach to observe the entire swing and help the batter make any necessary changes to the upper body.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
How to slap hit using the drag bunt
The drag bunt is an essential tool for a complete slapper.
Drag Bunt
The drag bunt is an essential tool for a complete slapper. The threat of the drag bunt forces the infield corner players to move closer to the plate, thereby opening up more infield gaps to slap through. The footwork described earlier for the crossover step should be used for the drag bunt.
Technique
During the crossover step, the slapper should slide her top (left) hand up the bat as far as possible while remaining comfortable (see figure 2.8a). The bottom (right) hand should remain near the knob of the bat on the grip. Separating the two hands allows for greater bat control. The slapper wants to bring her bottom hand to her right side and keep it close to her body. A common mistake made in bunting is to extend the bottom hand away from the body too much (see figure 2.8b). This causes the barrel to angle toward foul territory, and the batter will bunt the ball foul.
Slappers should have the barrel at the top of the strike zone when they bring it into the contact area. This gives them a guideline for identifying the strike zone. If the barrel is at the top of the zone, the slapper knows that any pitch above the barrel is a ball and that she should let it go. If a pitch is below the barrel but above the knees, the pitch is a strike, and the slapper may want to bunt it. For a low pitch, the slapper will bend her knees to bring the barrel down to the height of the pitch. She does not want to drop the bat head because that will increase her chances of popping up the ball.
At contact, the bat should be level in the zone; the barrel should be even with the handle or slightly out in front. Keeping the barrel out in front of the handle will help ensure that the ball is bunted fair. The slapper needs to “catch” the ball on the bat and should not try to push, drop, or pull back the barrel of the bat. A common mistake that batters make on a drag bunt is to move the barrel at contact in an attempt to direct the ball or deaden it so that it doesn't go too far. Movement creates the opportunity for a foul ball or pop-up. To help avoid this, batters can pretend that there is a fielder's glove on the end of the bat and simply catch the ball.
Slappers can do two things to help deaden a drag bunt: slide their top hand farther up the barrel (see figure 2.9a), and bunt the ball on the top 5 inches of the bat (away from the sweet spot). An easy way to practice bunting the ball on the top 5 inches (12.7 cm) is to place a piece of tape around the barrel 5 inches from the top (figure 2.9b). The slapper must make contact in the area between the end of the bat and the tape. Another trick that some players use to help deaden bunts is to point their index finger up the barrel of the bat. (figure 2.9c).
Placement and Strategy
Unless the slapper is trying to bunt to a specific infielder, the ideal placement for a drag bunt is approximately 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3.0 m) directly in front of home plate. A drag bunt placed an equal distance from the catcher, pitcher, and third- and first-base players will require communication between all four players about who is going to field the bunt. Whenever a batter can create communication issues for the defense, she has also created the potential for miscommunication and mistakes.
The Cones for Placement Targets drill on page 22 is a great way to work on placement for the drag bunt too. Create a circle with either cones or field chalk around the area where you want the ball to be bunted; the slappers then work on placing drag bunts in that area. We like to have contests to see who can place the most bunts in the target zone. There is nothing like competition between players to increase the intensity level and performance.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
Methods of running from first or second base
When a runner begins the play at first or second base, she should use home-to-first running techniques in the following situations: if stealing, if the bunt play is on, or if the ball is put into play in the infield and there is a potential force-out at the base to which she is advancing.
Running From First or Second Base
When a runner begins the play at first or second base, she should use home-to-first running techniques in the following situations: if stealing, if the bunt play is on, or if the ball is put into play in the infield and there is a potential force-out at the base to which she is advancing. If, however, the base runner's teammate (the batter) hits the ball through the infield (and it is not a potential tag-up situation), the runner should use home-to-second running techniques and create a good angle for rounding the next base; she should anticipate advancing two bases instead of just one. Base runners must remember to run until the defense stops them!
Leadoffs
There is an ongoing debate in softball circles about the type of leadoff that players should use on the bases. Some argue that the rocker positioning (see figure 3.6) is best, while others subscribe to the starter positioning (see figure 3.7). On our team, we want players to use whichever positioning helps them to be on time off the base. The base runner can leave the base when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. Therefore, she needs to be sure that she is leaving the base at that time and no later. A runner who is late off the bases is much more vulnerable to a pickoff because she is still moving off the base as the ball is being received by the catcher. A runner who is on time off the base will be balanced and able to get back quickly on a pickoff throw.
Videotape of base runners reveals that many players who use the rocker position actually start too late and are still on the base when the ball is on its way to home plate. In this case, if the players can make the adjustment to starting their motion earlier, they should continue using the rocker position because it gives the runner extra momentum. If they can't make the adjustment, they should switch to the starter position so that they do not lose time on their leadoff.
With either the rocker or starter positioning, the runner should always have her left foot in contact with the base. The front half of the foot should be in contact with the ground, and the back half should be on the base (see figure 3.8). The runner uses the base to push off, much like a starter's block in track. The runner should position her foot on the portion of the base that is closest to the outfield so that she is farthest from a potential pickoff throw by the catcher.
Leads From First Base
From first base, the runner takes a three-step lead, squaring up to the plate on her third step (see figure 3.9 on page 58). The runner must be balanced when she squares up and not leaning toward second base. The distance between home and first is 60 feet—not a very long throw for a catcher attempting a pickoff. A leaning, off-balance runner is an easy target for a pickoff. If the runner takes more than three steps, she will likely be too far off the base and will be vulnerable to a pickoff. The distance of the leadoff may change based on where the first-base player is positioned. If the first-base player is playing close to the base, the runner may have to cut down the distance of her leadoff, and vice versa.
If the runner uses the rocker positioning on the base, her first step with her right foot is step 1, the step with her left foot is step 2, and the last step with her right foot is step 3; she squares her shoulders to the plate on this third step. If the runner uses the starter positioning with her left foot on the base and her right foot in front of the base, the right foot being placed in front at the start counts as the first step. So, the player takes only two additional steps. The second step is with her left foot, and the third step is with her right foot; she squares her shoulders to the plate on this third step. The key is that the runner is no more than three steps off first base and that her feet are in a position to square up to home on the third step.
Leads From Second Base
Regarding placement of the foot on the base and starting positioning, the techniques used at first base apply to leads from second as well. However, the runner now takes a five-step lead. She can afford to do this because the distance from home to second base is 84 feet 10 inches, thus making the catcher's pickoff throw longer. A runner at second base is in scoring position and should be thinking score on any base hit. We tell our runners to take a “scoring lead.” In other words, when taking their lead, they will begin to create the angle for making a good turn at third base. The exceptions to this are the same as at first base—the runner should always run in a straight line to the next base when stealing or if the bunt play is on.
Leads From Third Base
Foot placement and starting positioning remain consistent when the runner is starting at third base. However, some differences exist in the strategy used at third. Unless the suicide squeeze play is on, the player should take a more passive lead. The worst thing that can happen at third is for a runner to be doubled off on a line drive because she was being too aggressive with her leadoff. The runner will score easily on almost every type of base hit to the outfield, so there is no reason to fire off the base too fast or too far and run into a line-drive double play. The runner must also be in position to tag up and score on a ball hit in the air to the outfield. Runners who lead off aggressively often cannot get back in time to tag, and they lose an opportunity to score a run.
Another key at third is to make sure the runner leads off in foul territory (see figure 3.10). If she is struck by a batted ball in foul territory, the ball is dead, and she returns to the base. If, however, she is struck in fair territory, she is automatically out. There is no need to lead off on or inside the baseline and run the risk of being struck by a fair ball. The runner at third base should never lead off beyond the positioning of the third-base player. Doing so will make the runner extremely vulnerable to being picked off by the catcher. This is especially true when a left-handed batter is in the batter's box.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
The importance of balance in softball success
If the batter is off balance during any part of the swing, she will not have the bat control needed to hit the ball where she wants to hit it. A well-balanced batting stance gives the batter a solid attack foundation.
Balance
All great hitters say that balance is extremely important in their success. They talk about balance in the stance, stride, and swing. Balance is especially important to singles hitters and contact hitters who must trust their hands, avoid being anxious, and let the ball come into the zone. If the batter is off balance during any part of the swing, she will not have the bat control needed to hit the ball where she wants to hit it. A well-balanced batting stance gives the batter a solid attack foundation. Balance allows the batter to be relaxed and feel confident in her ability to hit any pitch. Proper balance keeps the head still and allows the batter to see the ball more clearly.
Balance is also important in bunting, and any player who strives for a high batting average must be a very good bunter. She must be proficient at bunting for a hit as well as a sacrifice bunt. When bunting, the batter needs to be balanced on the balls of the feet and must not lean forward or backward.
Balance Beam
Purpose Consistent work on the balance beam reinforces muscle memory and helps the player through all phases of the hitting cycle. This drill is a must-have station for every hitting circuit workout.
Execution This drill requires a balance beam (see figure 4.5). The beam is a piece of 2-by-10-inch wood that is cut 4 feet long. The beam needs three support pieces made of 1-foot-long pieces of a 4-by-4-inch post. A support should be placed at each end of the beam, and one should be placed in the middle. Cover the top of the beam with Astroturf or a similar nonslip surface. The batter takes her normal batting position on the beam and takes full swings off of front tosses. The batter completes three sets of 10 repetitions.
Coaching Points The best setup is to have two balance beams in a cage, one for right-handed batters and one for left-handed batters. This way you do not have to move the beam back and forth.
Variation A second use for the balance beam is to help batters learn to avoid overstriding. To reinforce a short compact stride, have the batters set up 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.0 cm) from the end of the board. From this position, if the batter overstrides, she will get feedback really quickly. One college coach we know takes his hitters to the pool, sets them up 1 to 2 inches from the end of the high-dive board, and has them execute dry swings. He swears they are balanced and do not overstride. Although it may work, we do not recommend this approach.
Bouncing Tennis Balls
Purpose In this drill, the batter works on loading and then striding to attack position. The drill enables the batter to work on the timing of these parts of the swing in relation to the ball.
Execution To begin the drill, the coach takes a position in front and 45 degrees to the right of a right-handed batter (opposite for left-handed batters). Standing at an angle from the batter enables the coach to clearly observe the batter's entire lower body during the hitting process. The coach bounces tennis balls into the correct hitting zone. Bouncing tennis balls are more realistic than tosses because they require the batter to load on the bounce and time her stride to hit the ball as it reaches the optimum contact zone. The batter performs three sets of 10 repetitions.
Coaching Points Balance is important to the loading, striding, and hitting that the batter does in this drill. If the batter is not balanced throughout, this will show immediately, and positive changes can be made. Coaches will quickly see problems such as overstriding, striding open, rolling the front foot, or landing on the front heel. All of these problems seriously affect the batter's balance and ability to hit for average. The drill also allows the coach to observe the load (or negative) move and to help the batter improve this portion of the swing. Another great benefit of this drill is the immediate feedback. The drill allows the coach to bounce the ball on any plane desired. For instance, if a batter is struggling with pitches that are low and in, the coach can bounce it there. If the batter's problems are up and away, the coach can bounce it there.
Variation A variation of this drill is the standing toss. From the same position, the coach can toss to the batter at belt level and also observe every action within the hitting cycle. A good strategy is to begin with 20 bouncing tennis balls, which allows the coach to focus on the lower body and provide constructive feedback after each swing. Then switch to the upper-body toss with the same tennis balls from the same 45-degree angle. This enables the coach to observe the entire swing and help the batter make any necessary changes to the upper body.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
How to slap hit using the drag bunt
The drag bunt is an essential tool for a complete slapper.
Drag Bunt
The drag bunt is an essential tool for a complete slapper. The threat of the drag bunt forces the infield corner players to move closer to the plate, thereby opening up more infield gaps to slap through. The footwork described earlier for the crossover step should be used for the drag bunt.
Technique
During the crossover step, the slapper should slide her top (left) hand up the bat as far as possible while remaining comfortable (see figure 2.8a). The bottom (right) hand should remain near the knob of the bat on the grip. Separating the two hands allows for greater bat control. The slapper wants to bring her bottom hand to her right side and keep it close to her body. A common mistake made in bunting is to extend the bottom hand away from the body too much (see figure 2.8b). This causes the barrel to angle toward foul territory, and the batter will bunt the ball foul.
Slappers should have the barrel at the top of the strike zone when they bring it into the contact area. This gives them a guideline for identifying the strike zone. If the barrel is at the top of the zone, the slapper knows that any pitch above the barrel is a ball and that she should let it go. If a pitch is below the barrel but above the knees, the pitch is a strike, and the slapper may want to bunt it. For a low pitch, the slapper will bend her knees to bring the barrel down to the height of the pitch. She does not want to drop the bat head because that will increase her chances of popping up the ball.
At contact, the bat should be level in the zone; the barrel should be even with the handle or slightly out in front. Keeping the barrel out in front of the handle will help ensure that the ball is bunted fair. The slapper needs to “catch” the ball on the bat and should not try to push, drop, or pull back the barrel of the bat. A common mistake that batters make on a drag bunt is to move the barrel at contact in an attempt to direct the ball or deaden it so that it doesn't go too far. Movement creates the opportunity for a foul ball or pop-up. To help avoid this, batters can pretend that there is a fielder's glove on the end of the bat and simply catch the ball.
Slappers can do two things to help deaden a drag bunt: slide their top hand farther up the barrel (see figure 2.9a), and bunt the ball on the top 5 inches of the bat (away from the sweet spot). An easy way to practice bunting the ball on the top 5 inches (12.7 cm) is to place a piece of tape around the barrel 5 inches from the top (figure 2.9b). The slapper must make contact in the area between the end of the bat and the tape. Another trick that some players use to help deaden bunts is to point their index finger up the barrel of the bat. (figure 2.9c).
Placement and Strategy
Unless the slapper is trying to bunt to a specific infielder, the ideal placement for a drag bunt is approximately 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3.0 m) directly in front of home plate. A drag bunt placed an equal distance from the catcher, pitcher, and third- and first-base players will require communication between all four players about who is going to field the bunt. Whenever a batter can create communication issues for the defense, she has also created the potential for miscommunication and mistakes.
The Cones for Placement Targets drill on page 22 is a great way to work on placement for the drag bunt too. Create a circle with either cones or field chalk around the area where you want the ball to be bunted; the slappers then work on placing drag bunts in that area. We like to have contests to see who can place the most bunts in the target zone. There is nothing like competition between players to increase the intensity level and performance.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
Methods of running from first or second base
When a runner begins the play at first or second base, she should use home-to-first running techniques in the following situations: if stealing, if the bunt play is on, or if the ball is put into play in the infield and there is a potential force-out at the base to which she is advancing.
Running From First or Second Base
When a runner begins the play at first or second base, she should use home-to-first running techniques in the following situations: if stealing, if the bunt play is on, or if the ball is put into play in the infield and there is a potential force-out at the base to which she is advancing. If, however, the base runner's teammate (the batter) hits the ball through the infield (and it is not a potential tag-up situation), the runner should use home-to-second running techniques and create a good angle for rounding the next base; she should anticipate advancing two bases instead of just one. Base runners must remember to run until the defense stops them!
Leadoffs
There is an ongoing debate in softball circles about the type of leadoff that players should use on the bases. Some argue that the rocker positioning (see figure 3.6) is best, while others subscribe to the starter positioning (see figure 3.7). On our team, we want players to use whichever positioning helps them to be on time off the base. The base runner can leave the base when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. Therefore, she needs to be sure that she is leaving the base at that time and no later. A runner who is late off the bases is much more vulnerable to a pickoff because she is still moving off the base as the ball is being received by the catcher. A runner who is on time off the base will be balanced and able to get back quickly on a pickoff throw.
Videotape of base runners reveals that many players who use the rocker position actually start too late and are still on the base when the ball is on its way to home plate. In this case, if the players can make the adjustment to starting their motion earlier, they should continue using the rocker position because it gives the runner extra momentum. If they can't make the adjustment, they should switch to the starter position so that they do not lose time on their leadoff.
With either the rocker or starter positioning, the runner should always have her left foot in contact with the base. The front half of the foot should be in contact with the ground, and the back half should be on the base (see figure 3.8). The runner uses the base to push off, much like a starter's block in track. The runner should position her foot on the portion of the base that is closest to the outfield so that she is farthest from a potential pickoff throw by the catcher.
Leads From First Base
From first base, the runner takes a three-step lead, squaring up to the plate on her third step (see figure 3.9 on page 58). The runner must be balanced when she squares up and not leaning toward second base. The distance between home and first is 60 feet—not a very long throw for a catcher attempting a pickoff. A leaning, off-balance runner is an easy target for a pickoff. If the runner takes more than three steps, she will likely be too far off the base and will be vulnerable to a pickoff. The distance of the leadoff may change based on where the first-base player is positioned. If the first-base player is playing close to the base, the runner may have to cut down the distance of her leadoff, and vice versa.
If the runner uses the rocker positioning on the base, her first step with her right foot is step 1, the step with her left foot is step 2, and the last step with her right foot is step 3; she squares her shoulders to the plate on this third step. If the runner uses the starter positioning with her left foot on the base and her right foot in front of the base, the right foot being placed in front at the start counts as the first step. So, the player takes only two additional steps. The second step is with her left foot, and the third step is with her right foot; she squares her shoulders to the plate on this third step. The key is that the runner is no more than three steps off first base and that her feet are in a position to square up to home on the third step.
Leads From Second Base
Regarding placement of the foot on the base and starting positioning, the techniques used at first base apply to leads from second as well. However, the runner now takes a five-step lead. She can afford to do this because the distance from home to second base is 84 feet 10 inches, thus making the catcher's pickoff throw longer. A runner at second base is in scoring position and should be thinking score on any base hit. We tell our runners to take a “scoring lead.” In other words, when taking their lead, they will begin to create the angle for making a good turn at third base. The exceptions to this are the same as at first base—the runner should always run in a straight line to the next base when stealing or if the bunt play is on.
Leads From Third Base
Foot placement and starting positioning remain consistent when the runner is starting at third base. However, some differences exist in the strategy used at third. Unless the suicide squeeze play is on, the player should take a more passive lead. The worst thing that can happen at third is for a runner to be doubled off on a line drive because she was being too aggressive with her leadoff. The runner will score easily on almost every type of base hit to the outfield, so there is no reason to fire off the base too fast or too far and run into a line-drive double play. The runner must also be in position to tag up and score on a ball hit in the air to the outfield. Runners who lead off aggressively often cannot get back in time to tag, and they lose an opportunity to score a run.
Another key at third is to make sure the runner leads off in foul territory (see figure 3.10). If she is struck by a batted ball in foul territory, the ball is dead, and she returns to the base. If, however, she is struck in fair territory, she is automatically out. There is no need to lead off on or inside the baseline and run the risk of being struck by a fair ball. The runner at third base should never lead off beyond the positioning of the third-base player. Doing so will make the runner extremely vulnerable to being picked off by the catcher. This is especially true when a left-handed batter is in the batter's box.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
The importance of balance in softball success
If the batter is off balance during any part of the swing, she will not have the bat control needed to hit the ball where she wants to hit it. A well-balanced batting stance gives the batter a solid attack foundation.
Balance
All great hitters say that balance is extremely important in their success. They talk about balance in the stance, stride, and swing. Balance is especially important to singles hitters and contact hitters who must trust their hands, avoid being anxious, and let the ball come into the zone. If the batter is off balance during any part of the swing, she will not have the bat control needed to hit the ball where she wants to hit it. A well-balanced batting stance gives the batter a solid attack foundation. Balance allows the batter to be relaxed and feel confident in her ability to hit any pitch. Proper balance keeps the head still and allows the batter to see the ball more clearly.
Balance is also important in bunting, and any player who strives for a high batting average must be a very good bunter. She must be proficient at bunting for a hit as well as a sacrifice bunt. When bunting, the batter needs to be balanced on the balls of the feet and must not lean forward or backward.
Balance Beam
Purpose Consistent work on the balance beam reinforces muscle memory and helps the player through all phases of the hitting cycle. This drill is a must-have station for every hitting circuit workout.
Execution This drill requires a balance beam (see figure 4.5). The beam is a piece of 2-by-10-inch wood that is cut 4 feet long. The beam needs three support pieces made of 1-foot-long pieces of a 4-by-4-inch post. A support should be placed at each end of the beam, and one should be placed in the middle. Cover the top of the beam with Astroturf or a similar nonslip surface. The batter takes her normal batting position on the beam and takes full swings off of front tosses. The batter completes three sets of 10 repetitions.
Coaching Points The best setup is to have two balance beams in a cage, one for right-handed batters and one for left-handed batters. This way you do not have to move the beam back and forth.
Variation A second use for the balance beam is to help batters learn to avoid overstriding. To reinforce a short compact stride, have the batters set up 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.0 cm) from the end of the board. From this position, if the batter overstrides, she will get feedback really quickly. One college coach we know takes his hitters to the pool, sets them up 1 to 2 inches from the end of the high-dive board, and has them execute dry swings. He swears they are balanced and do not overstride. Although it may work, we do not recommend this approach.
Bouncing Tennis Balls
Purpose In this drill, the batter works on loading and then striding to attack position. The drill enables the batter to work on the timing of these parts of the swing in relation to the ball.
Execution To begin the drill, the coach takes a position in front and 45 degrees to the right of a right-handed batter (opposite for left-handed batters). Standing at an angle from the batter enables the coach to clearly observe the batter's entire lower body during the hitting process. The coach bounces tennis balls into the correct hitting zone. Bouncing tennis balls are more realistic than tosses because they require the batter to load on the bounce and time her stride to hit the ball as it reaches the optimum contact zone. The batter performs three sets of 10 repetitions.
Coaching Points Balance is important to the loading, striding, and hitting that the batter does in this drill. If the batter is not balanced throughout, this will show immediately, and positive changes can be made. Coaches will quickly see problems such as overstriding, striding open, rolling the front foot, or landing on the front heel. All of these problems seriously affect the batter's balance and ability to hit for average. The drill also allows the coach to observe the load (or negative) move and to help the batter improve this portion of the swing. Another great benefit of this drill is the immediate feedback. The drill allows the coach to bounce the ball on any plane desired. For instance, if a batter is struggling with pitches that are low and in, the coach can bounce it there. If the batter's problems are up and away, the coach can bounce it there.
Variation A variation of this drill is the standing toss. From the same position, the coach can toss to the batter at belt level and also observe every action within the hitting cycle. A good strategy is to begin with 20 bouncing tennis balls, which allows the coach to focus on the lower body and provide constructive feedback after each swing. Then switch to the upper-body toss with the same tennis balls from the same 45-degree angle. This enables the coach to observe the entire swing and help the batter make any necessary changes to the upper body.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
How to slap hit using the drag bunt
The drag bunt is an essential tool for a complete slapper.
Drag Bunt
The drag bunt is an essential tool for a complete slapper. The threat of the drag bunt forces the infield corner players to move closer to the plate, thereby opening up more infield gaps to slap through. The footwork described earlier for the crossover step should be used for the drag bunt.
Technique
During the crossover step, the slapper should slide her top (left) hand up the bat as far as possible while remaining comfortable (see figure 2.8a). The bottom (right) hand should remain near the knob of the bat on the grip. Separating the two hands allows for greater bat control. The slapper wants to bring her bottom hand to her right side and keep it close to her body. A common mistake made in bunting is to extend the bottom hand away from the body too much (see figure 2.8b). This causes the barrel to angle toward foul territory, and the batter will bunt the ball foul.
Slappers should have the barrel at the top of the strike zone when they bring it into the contact area. This gives them a guideline for identifying the strike zone. If the barrel is at the top of the zone, the slapper knows that any pitch above the barrel is a ball and that she should let it go. If a pitch is below the barrel but above the knees, the pitch is a strike, and the slapper may want to bunt it. For a low pitch, the slapper will bend her knees to bring the barrel down to the height of the pitch. She does not want to drop the bat head because that will increase her chances of popping up the ball.
At contact, the bat should be level in the zone; the barrel should be even with the handle or slightly out in front. Keeping the barrel out in front of the handle will help ensure that the ball is bunted fair. The slapper needs to “catch” the ball on the bat and should not try to push, drop, or pull back the barrel of the bat. A common mistake that batters make on a drag bunt is to move the barrel at contact in an attempt to direct the ball or deaden it so that it doesn't go too far. Movement creates the opportunity for a foul ball or pop-up. To help avoid this, batters can pretend that there is a fielder's glove on the end of the bat and simply catch the ball.
Slappers can do two things to help deaden a drag bunt: slide their top hand farther up the barrel (see figure 2.9a), and bunt the ball on the top 5 inches of the bat (away from the sweet spot). An easy way to practice bunting the ball on the top 5 inches (12.7 cm) is to place a piece of tape around the barrel 5 inches from the top (figure 2.9b). The slapper must make contact in the area between the end of the bat and the tape. Another trick that some players use to help deaden bunts is to point their index finger up the barrel of the bat. (figure 2.9c).
Placement and Strategy
Unless the slapper is trying to bunt to a specific infielder, the ideal placement for a drag bunt is approximately 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3.0 m) directly in front of home plate. A drag bunt placed an equal distance from the catcher, pitcher, and third- and first-base players will require communication between all four players about who is going to field the bunt. Whenever a batter can create communication issues for the defense, she has also created the potential for miscommunication and mistakes.
The Cones for Placement Targets drill on page 22 is a great way to work on placement for the drag bunt too. Create a circle with either cones or field chalk around the area where you want the ball to be bunted; the slappers then work on placing drag bunts in that area. We like to have contests to see who can place the most bunts in the target zone. There is nothing like competition between players to increase the intensity level and performance.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
Methods of running from first or second base
When a runner begins the play at first or second base, she should use home-to-first running techniques in the following situations: if stealing, if the bunt play is on, or if the ball is put into play in the infield and there is a potential force-out at the base to which she is advancing.
Running From First or Second Base
When a runner begins the play at first or second base, she should use home-to-first running techniques in the following situations: if stealing, if the bunt play is on, or if the ball is put into play in the infield and there is a potential force-out at the base to which she is advancing. If, however, the base runner's teammate (the batter) hits the ball through the infield (and it is not a potential tag-up situation), the runner should use home-to-second running techniques and create a good angle for rounding the next base; she should anticipate advancing two bases instead of just one. Base runners must remember to run until the defense stops them!
Leadoffs
There is an ongoing debate in softball circles about the type of leadoff that players should use on the bases. Some argue that the rocker positioning (see figure 3.6) is best, while others subscribe to the starter positioning (see figure 3.7). On our team, we want players to use whichever positioning helps them to be on time off the base. The base runner can leave the base when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. Therefore, she needs to be sure that she is leaving the base at that time and no later. A runner who is late off the bases is much more vulnerable to a pickoff because she is still moving off the base as the ball is being received by the catcher. A runner who is on time off the base will be balanced and able to get back quickly on a pickoff throw.
Videotape of base runners reveals that many players who use the rocker position actually start too late and are still on the base when the ball is on its way to home plate. In this case, if the players can make the adjustment to starting their motion earlier, they should continue using the rocker position because it gives the runner extra momentum. If they can't make the adjustment, they should switch to the starter position so that they do not lose time on their leadoff.
With either the rocker or starter positioning, the runner should always have her left foot in contact with the base. The front half of the foot should be in contact with the ground, and the back half should be on the base (see figure 3.8). The runner uses the base to push off, much like a starter's block in track. The runner should position her foot on the portion of the base that is closest to the outfield so that she is farthest from a potential pickoff throw by the catcher.
Leads From First Base
From first base, the runner takes a three-step lead, squaring up to the plate on her third step (see figure 3.9 on page 58). The runner must be balanced when she squares up and not leaning toward second base. The distance between home and first is 60 feet—not a very long throw for a catcher attempting a pickoff. A leaning, off-balance runner is an easy target for a pickoff. If the runner takes more than three steps, she will likely be too far off the base and will be vulnerable to a pickoff. The distance of the leadoff may change based on where the first-base player is positioned. If the first-base player is playing close to the base, the runner may have to cut down the distance of her leadoff, and vice versa.
If the runner uses the rocker positioning on the base, her first step with her right foot is step 1, the step with her left foot is step 2, and the last step with her right foot is step 3; she squares her shoulders to the plate on this third step. If the runner uses the starter positioning with her left foot on the base and her right foot in front of the base, the right foot being placed in front at the start counts as the first step. So, the player takes only two additional steps. The second step is with her left foot, and the third step is with her right foot; she squares her shoulders to the plate on this third step. The key is that the runner is no more than three steps off first base and that her feet are in a position to square up to home on the third step.
Leads From Second Base
Regarding placement of the foot on the base and starting positioning, the techniques used at first base apply to leads from second as well. However, the runner now takes a five-step lead. She can afford to do this because the distance from home to second base is 84 feet 10 inches, thus making the catcher's pickoff throw longer. A runner at second base is in scoring position and should be thinking score on any base hit. We tell our runners to take a “scoring lead.” In other words, when taking their lead, they will begin to create the angle for making a good turn at third base. The exceptions to this are the same as at first base—the runner should always run in a straight line to the next base when stealing or if the bunt play is on.
Leads From Third Base
Foot placement and starting positioning remain consistent when the runner is starting at third base. However, some differences exist in the strategy used at third. Unless the suicide squeeze play is on, the player should take a more passive lead. The worst thing that can happen at third is for a runner to be doubled off on a line drive because she was being too aggressive with her leadoff. The runner will score easily on almost every type of base hit to the outfield, so there is no reason to fire off the base too fast or too far and run into a line-drive double play. The runner must also be in position to tag up and score on a ball hit in the air to the outfield. Runners who lead off aggressively often cannot get back in time to tag, and they lose an opportunity to score a run.
Another key at third is to make sure the runner leads off in foul territory (see figure 3.10). If she is struck by a batted ball in foul territory, the ball is dead, and she returns to the base. If, however, she is struck in fair territory, she is automatically out. There is no need to lead off on or inside the baseline and run the risk of being struck by a fair ball. The runner at third base should never lead off beyond the positioning of the third-base player. Doing so will make the runner extremely vulnerable to being picked off by the catcher. This is especially true when a left-handed batter is in the batter's box.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
The importance of balance in softball success
If the batter is off balance during any part of the swing, she will not have the bat control needed to hit the ball where she wants to hit it. A well-balanced batting stance gives the batter a solid attack foundation.
Balance
All great hitters say that balance is extremely important in their success. They talk about balance in the stance, stride, and swing. Balance is especially important to singles hitters and contact hitters who must trust their hands, avoid being anxious, and let the ball come into the zone. If the batter is off balance during any part of the swing, she will not have the bat control needed to hit the ball where she wants to hit it. A well-balanced batting stance gives the batter a solid attack foundation. Balance allows the batter to be relaxed and feel confident in her ability to hit any pitch. Proper balance keeps the head still and allows the batter to see the ball more clearly.
Balance is also important in bunting, and any player who strives for a high batting average must be a very good bunter. She must be proficient at bunting for a hit as well as a sacrifice bunt. When bunting, the batter needs to be balanced on the balls of the feet and must not lean forward or backward.
Balance Beam
Purpose Consistent work on the balance beam reinforces muscle memory and helps the player through all phases of the hitting cycle. This drill is a must-have station for every hitting circuit workout.
Execution This drill requires a balance beam (see figure 4.5). The beam is a piece of 2-by-10-inch wood that is cut 4 feet long. The beam needs three support pieces made of 1-foot-long pieces of a 4-by-4-inch post. A support should be placed at each end of the beam, and one should be placed in the middle. Cover the top of the beam with Astroturf or a similar nonslip surface. The batter takes her normal batting position on the beam and takes full swings off of front tosses. The batter completes three sets of 10 repetitions.
Coaching Points The best setup is to have two balance beams in a cage, one for right-handed batters and one for left-handed batters. This way you do not have to move the beam back and forth.
Variation A second use for the balance beam is to help batters learn to avoid overstriding. To reinforce a short compact stride, have the batters set up 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.0 cm) from the end of the board. From this position, if the batter overstrides, she will get feedback really quickly. One college coach we know takes his hitters to the pool, sets them up 1 to 2 inches from the end of the high-dive board, and has them execute dry swings. He swears they are balanced and do not overstride. Although it may work, we do not recommend this approach.
Bouncing Tennis Balls
Purpose In this drill, the batter works on loading and then striding to attack position. The drill enables the batter to work on the timing of these parts of the swing in relation to the ball.
Execution To begin the drill, the coach takes a position in front and 45 degrees to the right of a right-handed batter (opposite for left-handed batters). Standing at an angle from the batter enables the coach to clearly observe the batter's entire lower body during the hitting process. The coach bounces tennis balls into the correct hitting zone. Bouncing tennis balls are more realistic than tosses because they require the batter to load on the bounce and time her stride to hit the ball as it reaches the optimum contact zone. The batter performs three sets of 10 repetitions.
Coaching Points Balance is important to the loading, striding, and hitting that the batter does in this drill. If the batter is not balanced throughout, this will show immediately, and positive changes can be made. Coaches will quickly see problems such as overstriding, striding open, rolling the front foot, or landing on the front heel. All of these problems seriously affect the batter's balance and ability to hit for average. The drill also allows the coach to observe the load (or negative) move and to help the batter improve this portion of the swing. Another great benefit of this drill is the immediate feedback. The drill allows the coach to bounce the ball on any plane desired. For instance, if a batter is struggling with pitches that are low and in, the coach can bounce it there. If the batter's problems are up and away, the coach can bounce it there.
Variation A variation of this drill is the standing toss. From the same position, the coach can toss to the batter at belt level and also observe every action within the hitting cycle. A good strategy is to begin with 20 bouncing tennis balls, which allows the coach to focus on the lower body and provide constructive feedback after each swing. Then switch to the upper-body toss with the same tennis balls from the same 45-degree angle. This enables the coach to observe the entire swing and help the batter make any necessary changes to the upper body.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
How to slap hit using the drag bunt
The drag bunt is an essential tool for a complete slapper.
Drag Bunt
The drag bunt is an essential tool for a complete slapper. The threat of the drag bunt forces the infield corner players to move closer to the plate, thereby opening up more infield gaps to slap through. The footwork described earlier for the crossover step should be used for the drag bunt.
Technique
During the crossover step, the slapper should slide her top (left) hand up the bat as far as possible while remaining comfortable (see figure 2.8a). The bottom (right) hand should remain near the knob of the bat on the grip. Separating the two hands allows for greater bat control. The slapper wants to bring her bottom hand to her right side and keep it close to her body. A common mistake made in bunting is to extend the bottom hand away from the body too much (see figure 2.8b). This causes the barrel to angle toward foul territory, and the batter will bunt the ball foul.
Slappers should have the barrel at the top of the strike zone when they bring it into the contact area. This gives them a guideline for identifying the strike zone. If the barrel is at the top of the zone, the slapper knows that any pitch above the barrel is a ball and that she should let it go. If a pitch is below the barrel but above the knees, the pitch is a strike, and the slapper may want to bunt it. For a low pitch, the slapper will bend her knees to bring the barrel down to the height of the pitch. She does not want to drop the bat head because that will increase her chances of popping up the ball.
At contact, the bat should be level in the zone; the barrel should be even with the handle or slightly out in front. Keeping the barrel out in front of the handle will help ensure that the ball is bunted fair. The slapper needs to “catch” the ball on the bat and should not try to push, drop, or pull back the barrel of the bat. A common mistake that batters make on a drag bunt is to move the barrel at contact in an attempt to direct the ball or deaden it so that it doesn't go too far. Movement creates the opportunity for a foul ball or pop-up. To help avoid this, batters can pretend that there is a fielder's glove on the end of the bat and simply catch the ball.
Slappers can do two things to help deaden a drag bunt: slide their top hand farther up the barrel (see figure 2.9a), and bunt the ball on the top 5 inches of the bat (away from the sweet spot). An easy way to practice bunting the ball on the top 5 inches (12.7 cm) is to place a piece of tape around the barrel 5 inches from the top (figure 2.9b). The slapper must make contact in the area between the end of the bat and the tape. Another trick that some players use to help deaden bunts is to point their index finger up the barrel of the bat. (figure 2.9c).
Placement and Strategy
Unless the slapper is trying to bunt to a specific infielder, the ideal placement for a drag bunt is approximately 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3.0 m) directly in front of home plate. A drag bunt placed an equal distance from the catcher, pitcher, and third- and first-base players will require communication between all four players about who is going to field the bunt. Whenever a batter can create communication issues for the defense, she has also created the potential for miscommunication and mistakes.
The Cones for Placement Targets drill on page 22 is a great way to work on placement for the drag bunt too. Create a circle with either cones or field chalk around the area where you want the ball to be bunted; the slappers then work on placing drag bunts in that area. We like to have contests to see who can place the most bunts in the target zone. There is nothing like competition between players to increase the intensity level and performance.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
Methods of running from first or second base
When a runner begins the play at first or second base, she should use home-to-first running techniques in the following situations: if stealing, if the bunt play is on, or if the ball is put into play in the infield and there is a potential force-out at the base to which she is advancing.
Running From First or Second Base
When a runner begins the play at first or second base, she should use home-to-first running techniques in the following situations: if stealing, if the bunt play is on, or if the ball is put into play in the infield and there is a potential force-out at the base to which she is advancing. If, however, the base runner's teammate (the batter) hits the ball through the infield (and it is not a potential tag-up situation), the runner should use home-to-second running techniques and create a good angle for rounding the next base; she should anticipate advancing two bases instead of just one. Base runners must remember to run until the defense stops them!
Leadoffs
There is an ongoing debate in softball circles about the type of leadoff that players should use on the bases. Some argue that the rocker positioning (see figure 3.6) is best, while others subscribe to the starter positioning (see figure 3.7). On our team, we want players to use whichever positioning helps them to be on time off the base. The base runner can leave the base when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. Therefore, she needs to be sure that she is leaving the base at that time and no later. A runner who is late off the bases is much more vulnerable to a pickoff because she is still moving off the base as the ball is being received by the catcher. A runner who is on time off the base will be balanced and able to get back quickly on a pickoff throw.
Videotape of base runners reveals that many players who use the rocker position actually start too late and are still on the base when the ball is on its way to home plate. In this case, if the players can make the adjustment to starting their motion earlier, they should continue using the rocker position because it gives the runner extra momentum. If they can't make the adjustment, they should switch to the starter position so that they do not lose time on their leadoff.
With either the rocker or starter positioning, the runner should always have her left foot in contact with the base. The front half of the foot should be in contact with the ground, and the back half should be on the base (see figure 3.8). The runner uses the base to push off, much like a starter's block in track. The runner should position her foot on the portion of the base that is closest to the outfield so that she is farthest from a potential pickoff throw by the catcher.
Leads From First Base
From first base, the runner takes a three-step lead, squaring up to the plate on her third step (see figure 3.9 on page 58). The runner must be balanced when she squares up and not leaning toward second base. The distance between home and first is 60 feet—not a very long throw for a catcher attempting a pickoff. A leaning, off-balance runner is an easy target for a pickoff. If the runner takes more than three steps, she will likely be too far off the base and will be vulnerable to a pickoff. The distance of the leadoff may change based on where the first-base player is positioned. If the first-base player is playing close to the base, the runner may have to cut down the distance of her leadoff, and vice versa.
If the runner uses the rocker positioning on the base, her first step with her right foot is step 1, the step with her left foot is step 2, and the last step with her right foot is step 3; she squares her shoulders to the plate on this third step. If the runner uses the starter positioning with her left foot on the base and her right foot in front of the base, the right foot being placed in front at the start counts as the first step. So, the player takes only two additional steps. The second step is with her left foot, and the third step is with her right foot; she squares her shoulders to the plate on this third step. The key is that the runner is no more than three steps off first base and that her feet are in a position to square up to home on the third step.
Leads From Second Base
Regarding placement of the foot on the base and starting positioning, the techniques used at first base apply to leads from second as well. However, the runner now takes a five-step lead. She can afford to do this because the distance from home to second base is 84 feet 10 inches, thus making the catcher's pickoff throw longer. A runner at second base is in scoring position and should be thinking score on any base hit. We tell our runners to take a “scoring lead.” In other words, when taking their lead, they will begin to create the angle for making a good turn at third base. The exceptions to this are the same as at first base—the runner should always run in a straight line to the next base when stealing or if the bunt play is on.
Leads From Third Base
Foot placement and starting positioning remain consistent when the runner is starting at third base. However, some differences exist in the strategy used at third. Unless the suicide squeeze play is on, the player should take a more passive lead. The worst thing that can happen at third is for a runner to be doubled off on a line drive because she was being too aggressive with her leadoff. The runner will score easily on almost every type of base hit to the outfield, so there is no reason to fire off the base too fast or too far and run into a line-drive double play. The runner must also be in position to tag up and score on a ball hit in the air to the outfield. Runners who lead off aggressively often cannot get back in time to tag, and they lose an opportunity to score a run.
Another key at third is to make sure the runner leads off in foul territory (see figure 3.10). If she is struck by a batted ball in foul territory, the ball is dead, and she returns to the base. If, however, she is struck in fair territory, she is automatically out. There is no need to lead off on or inside the baseline and run the risk of being struck by a fair ball. The runner at third base should never lead off beyond the positioning of the third-base player. Doing so will make the runner extremely vulnerable to being picked off by the catcher. This is especially true when a left-handed batter is in the batter's box.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
The importance of balance in softball success
If the batter is off balance during any part of the swing, she will not have the bat control needed to hit the ball where she wants to hit it. A well-balanced batting stance gives the batter a solid attack foundation.
Balance
All great hitters say that balance is extremely important in their success. They talk about balance in the stance, stride, and swing. Balance is especially important to singles hitters and contact hitters who must trust their hands, avoid being anxious, and let the ball come into the zone. If the batter is off balance during any part of the swing, she will not have the bat control needed to hit the ball where she wants to hit it. A well-balanced batting stance gives the batter a solid attack foundation. Balance allows the batter to be relaxed and feel confident in her ability to hit any pitch. Proper balance keeps the head still and allows the batter to see the ball more clearly.
Balance is also important in bunting, and any player who strives for a high batting average must be a very good bunter. She must be proficient at bunting for a hit as well as a sacrifice bunt. When bunting, the batter needs to be balanced on the balls of the feet and must not lean forward or backward.
Balance Beam
Purpose Consistent work on the balance beam reinforces muscle memory and helps the player through all phases of the hitting cycle. This drill is a must-have station for every hitting circuit workout.
Execution This drill requires a balance beam (see figure 4.5). The beam is a piece of 2-by-10-inch wood that is cut 4 feet long. The beam needs three support pieces made of 1-foot-long pieces of a 4-by-4-inch post. A support should be placed at each end of the beam, and one should be placed in the middle. Cover the top of the beam with Astroturf or a similar nonslip surface. The batter takes her normal batting position on the beam and takes full swings off of front tosses. The batter completes three sets of 10 repetitions.
Coaching Points The best setup is to have two balance beams in a cage, one for right-handed batters and one for left-handed batters. This way you do not have to move the beam back and forth.
Variation A second use for the balance beam is to help batters learn to avoid overstriding. To reinforce a short compact stride, have the batters set up 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.0 cm) from the end of the board. From this position, if the batter overstrides, she will get feedback really quickly. One college coach we know takes his hitters to the pool, sets them up 1 to 2 inches from the end of the high-dive board, and has them execute dry swings. He swears they are balanced and do not overstride. Although it may work, we do not recommend this approach.
Bouncing Tennis Balls
Purpose In this drill, the batter works on loading and then striding to attack position. The drill enables the batter to work on the timing of these parts of the swing in relation to the ball.
Execution To begin the drill, the coach takes a position in front and 45 degrees to the right of a right-handed batter (opposite for left-handed batters). Standing at an angle from the batter enables the coach to clearly observe the batter's entire lower body during the hitting process. The coach bounces tennis balls into the correct hitting zone. Bouncing tennis balls are more realistic than tosses because they require the batter to load on the bounce and time her stride to hit the ball as it reaches the optimum contact zone. The batter performs three sets of 10 repetitions.
Coaching Points Balance is important to the loading, striding, and hitting that the batter does in this drill. If the batter is not balanced throughout, this will show immediately, and positive changes can be made. Coaches will quickly see problems such as overstriding, striding open, rolling the front foot, or landing on the front heel. All of these problems seriously affect the batter's balance and ability to hit for average. The drill also allows the coach to observe the load (or negative) move and to help the batter improve this portion of the swing. Another great benefit of this drill is the immediate feedback. The drill allows the coach to bounce the ball on any plane desired. For instance, if a batter is struggling with pitches that are low and in, the coach can bounce it there. If the batter's problems are up and away, the coach can bounce it there.
Variation A variation of this drill is the standing toss. From the same position, the coach can toss to the batter at belt level and also observe every action within the hitting cycle. A good strategy is to begin with 20 bouncing tennis balls, which allows the coach to focus on the lower body and provide constructive feedback after each swing. Then switch to the upper-body toss with the same tennis balls from the same 45-degree angle. This enables the coach to observe the entire swing and help the batter make any necessary changes to the upper body.
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How to slap hit using the drag bunt
The drag bunt is an essential tool for a complete slapper.
Drag Bunt
The drag bunt is an essential tool for a complete slapper. The threat of the drag bunt forces the infield corner players to move closer to the plate, thereby opening up more infield gaps to slap through. The footwork described earlier for the crossover step should be used for the drag bunt.
Technique
During the crossover step, the slapper should slide her top (left) hand up the bat as far as possible while remaining comfortable (see figure 2.8a). The bottom (right) hand should remain near the knob of the bat on the grip. Separating the two hands allows for greater bat control. The slapper wants to bring her bottom hand to her right side and keep it close to her body. A common mistake made in bunting is to extend the bottom hand away from the body too much (see figure 2.8b). This causes the barrel to angle toward foul territory, and the batter will bunt the ball foul.
Slappers should have the barrel at the top of the strike zone when they bring it into the contact area. This gives them a guideline for identifying the strike zone. If the barrel is at the top of the zone, the slapper knows that any pitch above the barrel is a ball and that she should let it go. If a pitch is below the barrel but above the knees, the pitch is a strike, and the slapper may want to bunt it. For a low pitch, the slapper will bend her knees to bring the barrel down to the height of the pitch. She does not want to drop the bat head because that will increase her chances of popping up the ball.
At contact, the bat should be level in the zone; the barrel should be even with the handle or slightly out in front. Keeping the barrel out in front of the handle will help ensure that the ball is bunted fair. The slapper needs to “catch” the ball on the bat and should not try to push, drop, or pull back the barrel of the bat. A common mistake that batters make on a drag bunt is to move the barrel at contact in an attempt to direct the ball or deaden it so that it doesn't go too far. Movement creates the opportunity for a foul ball or pop-up. To help avoid this, batters can pretend that there is a fielder's glove on the end of the bat and simply catch the ball.
Slappers can do two things to help deaden a drag bunt: slide their top hand farther up the barrel (see figure 2.9a), and bunt the ball on the top 5 inches of the bat (away from the sweet spot). An easy way to practice bunting the ball on the top 5 inches (12.7 cm) is to place a piece of tape around the barrel 5 inches from the top (figure 2.9b). The slapper must make contact in the area between the end of the bat and the tape. Another trick that some players use to help deaden bunts is to point their index finger up the barrel of the bat. (figure 2.9c).
Placement and Strategy
Unless the slapper is trying to bunt to a specific infielder, the ideal placement for a drag bunt is approximately 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3.0 m) directly in front of home plate. A drag bunt placed an equal distance from the catcher, pitcher, and third- and first-base players will require communication between all four players about who is going to field the bunt. Whenever a batter can create communication issues for the defense, she has also created the potential for miscommunication and mistakes.
The Cones for Placement Targets drill on page 22 is a great way to work on placement for the drag bunt too. Create a circle with either cones or field chalk around the area where you want the ball to be bunted; the slappers then work on placing drag bunts in that area. We like to have contests to see who can place the most bunts in the target zone. There is nothing like competition between players to increase the intensity level and performance.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
Methods of running from first or second base
When a runner begins the play at first or second base, she should use home-to-first running techniques in the following situations: if stealing, if the bunt play is on, or if the ball is put into play in the infield and there is a potential force-out at the base to which she is advancing.
Running From First or Second Base
When a runner begins the play at first or second base, she should use home-to-first running techniques in the following situations: if stealing, if the bunt play is on, or if the ball is put into play in the infield and there is a potential force-out at the base to which she is advancing. If, however, the base runner's teammate (the batter) hits the ball through the infield (and it is not a potential tag-up situation), the runner should use home-to-second running techniques and create a good angle for rounding the next base; she should anticipate advancing two bases instead of just one. Base runners must remember to run until the defense stops them!
Leadoffs
There is an ongoing debate in softball circles about the type of leadoff that players should use on the bases. Some argue that the rocker positioning (see figure 3.6) is best, while others subscribe to the starter positioning (see figure 3.7). On our team, we want players to use whichever positioning helps them to be on time off the base. The base runner can leave the base when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. Therefore, she needs to be sure that she is leaving the base at that time and no later. A runner who is late off the bases is much more vulnerable to a pickoff because she is still moving off the base as the ball is being received by the catcher. A runner who is on time off the base will be balanced and able to get back quickly on a pickoff throw.
Videotape of base runners reveals that many players who use the rocker position actually start too late and are still on the base when the ball is on its way to home plate. In this case, if the players can make the adjustment to starting their motion earlier, they should continue using the rocker position because it gives the runner extra momentum. If they can't make the adjustment, they should switch to the starter position so that they do not lose time on their leadoff.
With either the rocker or starter positioning, the runner should always have her left foot in contact with the base. The front half of the foot should be in contact with the ground, and the back half should be on the base (see figure 3.8). The runner uses the base to push off, much like a starter's block in track. The runner should position her foot on the portion of the base that is closest to the outfield so that she is farthest from a potential pickoff throw by the catcher.
Leads From First Base
From first base, the runner takes a three-step lead, squaring up to the plate on her third step (see figure 3.9 on page 58). The runner must be balanced when she squares up and not leaning toward second base. The distance between home and first is 60 feet—not a very long throw for a catcher attempting a pickoff. A leaning, off-balance runner is an easy target for a pickoff. If the runner takes more than three steps, she will likely be too far off the base and will be vulnerable to a pickoff. The distance of the leadoff may change based on where the first-base player is positioned. If the first-base player is playing close to the base, the runner may have to cut down the distance of her leadoff, and vice versa.
If the runner uses the rocker positioning on the base, her first step with her right foot is step 1, the step with her left foot is step 2, and the last step with her right foot is step 3; she squares her shoulders to the plate on this third step. If the runner uses the starter positioning with her left foot on the base and her right foot in front of the base, the right foot being placed in front at the start counts as the first step. So, the player takes only two additional steps. The second step is with her left foot, and the third step is with her right foot; she squares her shoulders to the plate on this third step. The key is that the runner is no more than three steps off first base and that her feet are in a position to square up to home on the third step.
Leads From Second Base
Regarding placement of the foot on the base and starting positioning, the techniques used at first base apply to leads from second as well. However, the runner now takes a five-step lead. She can afford to do this because the distance from home to second base is 84 feet 10 inches, thus making the catcher's pickoff throw longer. A runner at second base is in scoring position and should be thinking score on any base hit. We tell our runners to take a “scoring lead.” In other words, when taking their lead, they will begin to create the angle for making a good turn at third base. The exceptions to this are the same as at first base—the runner should always run in a straight line to the next base when stealing or if the bunt play is on.
Leads From Third Base
Foot placement and starting positioning remain consistent when the runner is starting at third base. However, some differences exist in the strategy used at third. Unless the suicide squeeze play is on, the player should take a more passive lead. The worst thing that can happen at third is for a runner to be doubled off on a line drive because she was being too aggressive with her leadoff. The runner will score easily on almost every type of base hit to the outfield, so there is no reason to fire off the base too fast or too far and run into a line-drive double play. The runner must also be in position to tag up and score on a ball hit in the air to the outfield. Runners who lead off aggressively often cannot get back in time to tag, and they lose an opportunity to score a run.
Another key at third is to make sure the runner leads off in foul territory (see figure 3.10). If she is struck by a batted ball in foul territory, the ball is dead, and she returns to the base. If, however, she is struck in fair territory, she is automatically out. There is no need to lead off on or inside the baseline and run the risk of being struck by a fair ball. The runner at third base should never lead off beyond the positioning of the third-base player. Doing so will make the runner extremely vulnerable to being picked off by the catcher. This is especially true when a left-handed batter is in the batter's box.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
The importance of balance in softball success
If the batter is off balance during any part of the swing, she will not have the bat control needed to hit the ball where she wants to hit it. A well-balanced batting stance gives the batter a solid attack foundation.
Balance
All great hitters say that balance is extremely important in their success. They talk about balance in the stance, stride, and swing. Balance is especially important to singles hitters and contact hitters who must trust their hands, avoid being anxious, and let the ball come into the zone. If the batter is off balance during any part of the swing, she will not have the bat control needed to hit the ball where she wants to hit it. A well-balanced batting stance gives the batter a solid attack foundation. Balance allows the batter to be relaxed and feel confident in her ability to hit any pitch. Proper balance keeps the head still and allows the batter to see the ball more clearly.
Balance is also important in bunting, and any player who strives for a high batting average must be a very good bunter. She must be proficient at bunting for a hit as well as a sacrifice bunt. When bunting, the batter needs to be balanced on the balls of the feet and must not lean forward or backward.
Balance Beam
Purpose Consistent work on the balance beam reinforces muscle memory and helps the player through all phases of the hitting cycle. This drill is a must-have station for every hitting circuit workout.
Execution This drill requires a balance beam (see figure 4.5). The beam is a piece of 2-by-10-inch wood that is cut 4 feet long. The beam needs three support pieces made of 1-foot-long pieces of a 4-by-4-inch post. A support should be placed at each end of the beam, and one should be placed in the middle. Cover the top of the beam with Astroturf or a similar nonslip surface. The batter takes her normal batting position on the beam and takes full swings off of front tosses. The batter completes three sets of 10 repetitions.
Coaching Points The best setup is to have two balance beams in a cage, one for right-handed batters and one for left-handed batters. This way you do not have to move the beam back and forth.
Variation A second use for the balance beam is to help batters learn to avoid overstriding. To reinforce a short compact stride, have the batters set up 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.0 cm) from the end of the board. From this position, if the batter overstrides, she will get feedback really quickly. One college coach we know takes his hitters to the pool, sets them up 1 to 2 inches from the end of the high-dive board, and has them execute dry swings. He swears they are balanced and do not overstride. Although it may work, we do not recommend this approach.
Bouncing Tennis Balls
Purpose In this drill, the batter works on loading and then striding to attack position. The drill enables the batter to work on the timing of these parts of the swing in relation to the ball.
Execution To begin the drill, the coach takes a position in front and 45 degrees to the right of a right-handed batter (opposite for left-handed batters). Standing at an angle from the batter enables the coach to clearly observe the batter's entire lower body during the hitting process. The coach bounces tennis balls into the correct hitting zone. Bouncing tennis balls are more realistic than tosses because they require the batter to load on the bounce and time her stride to hit the ball as it reaches the optimum contact zone. The batter performs three sets of 10 repetitions.
Coaching Points Balance is important to the loading, striding, and hitting that the batter does in this drill. If the batter is not balanced throughout, this will show immediately, and positive changes can be made. Coaches will quickly see problems such as overstriding, striding open, rolling the front foot, or landing on the front heel. All of these problems seriously affect the batter's balance and ability to hit for average. The drill also allows the coach to observe the load (or negative) move and to help the batter improve this portion of the swing. Another great benefit of this drill is the immediate feedback. The drill allows the coach to bounce the ball on any plane desired. For instance, if a batter is struggling with pitches that are low and in, the coach can bounce it there. If the batter's problems are up and away, the coach can bounce it there.
Variation A variation of this drill is the standing toss. From the same position, the coach can toss to the batter at belt level and also observe every action within the hitting cycle. A good strategy is to begin with 20 bouncing tennis balls, which allows the coach to focus on the lower body and provide constructive feedback after each swing. Then switch to the upper-body toss with the same tennis balls from the same 45-degree angle. This enables the coach to observe the entire swing and help the batter make any necessary changes to the upper body.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
How to slap hit using the drag bunt
The drag bunt is an essential tool for a complete slapper.
Drag Bunt
The drag bunt is an essential tool for a complete slapper. The threat of the drag bunt forces the infield corner players to move closer to the plate, thereby opening up more infield gaps to slap through. The footwork described earlier for the crossover step should be used for the drag bunt.
Technique
During the crossover step, the slapper should slide her top (left) hand up the bat as far as possible while remaining comfortable (see figure 2.8a). The bottom (right) hand should remain near the knob of the bat on the grip. Separating the two hands allows for greater bat control. The slapper wants to bring her bottom hand to her right side and keep it close to her body. A common mistake made in bunting is to extend the bottom hand away from the body too much (see figure 2.8b). This causes the barrel to angle toward foul territory, and the batter will bunt the ball foul.
Slappers should have the barrel at the top of the strike zone when they bring it into the contact area. This gives them a guideline for identifying the strike zone. If the barrel is at the top of the zone, the slapper knows that any pitch above the barrel is a ball and that she should let it go. If a pitch is below the barrel but above the knees, the pitch is a strike, and the slapper may want to bunt it. For a low pitch, the slapper will bend her knees to bring the barrel down to the height of the pitch. She does not want to drop the bat head because that will increase her chances of popping up the ball.
At contact, the bat should be level in the zone; the barrel should be even with the handle or slightly out in front. Keeping the barrel out in front of the handle will help ensure that the ball is bunted fair. The slapper needs to “catch” the ball on the bat and should not try to push, drop, or pull back the barrel of the bat. A common mistake that batters make on a drag bunt is to move the barrel at contact in an attempt to direct the ball or deaden it so that it doesn't go too far. Movement creates the opportunity for a foul ball or pop-up. To help avoid this, batters can pretend that there is a fielder's glove on the end of the bat and simply catch the ball.
Slappers can do two things to help deaden a drag bunt: slide their top hand farther up the barrel (see figure 2.9a), and bunt the ball on the top 5 inches of the bat (away from the sweet spot). An easy way to practice bunting the ball on the top 5 inches (12.7 cm) is to place a piece of tape around the barrel 5 inches from the top (figure 2.9b). The slapper must make contact in the area between the end of the bat and the tape. Another trick that some players use to help deaden bunts is to point their index finger up the barrel of the bat. (figure 2.9c).
Placement and Strategy
Unless the slapper is trying to bunt to a specific infielder, the ideal placement for a drag bunt is approximately 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3.0 m) directly in front of home plate. A drag bunt placed an equal distance from the catcher, pitcher, and third- and first-base players will require communication between all four players about who is going to field the bunt. Whenever a batter can create communication issues for the defense, she has also created the potential for miscommunication and mistakes.
The Cones for Placement Targets drill on page 22 is a great way to work on placement for the drag bunt too. Create a circle with either cones or field chalk around the area where you want the ball to be bunted; the slappers then work on placing drag bunts in that area. We like to have contests to see who can place the most bunts in the target zone. There is nothing like competition between players to increase the intensity level and performance.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
Methods of running from first or second base
When a runner begins the play at first or second base, she should use home-to-first running techniques in the following situations: if stealing, if the bunt play is on, or if the ball is put into play in the infield and there is a potential force-out at the base to which she is advancing.
Running From First or Second Base
When a runner begins the play at first or second base, she should use home-to-first running techniques in the following situations: if stealing, if the bunt play is on, or if the ball is put into play in the infield and there is a potential force-out at the base to which she is advancing. If, however, the base runner's teammate (the batter) hits the ball through the infield (and it is not a potential tag-up situation), the runner should use home-to-second running techniques and create a good angle for rounding the next base; she should anticipate advancing two bases instead of just one. Base runners must remember to run until the defense stops them!
Leadoffs
There is an ongoing debate in softball circles about the type of leadoff that players should use on the bases. Some argue that the rocker positioning (see figure 3.6) is best, while others subscribe to the starter positioning (see figure 3.7). On our team, we want players to use whichever positioning helps them to be on time off the base. The base runner can leave the base when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. Therefore, she needs to be sure that she is leaving the base at that time and no later. A runner who is late off the bases is much more vulnerable to a pickoff because she is still moving off the base as the ball is being received by the catcher. A runner who is on time off the base will be balanced and able to get back quickly on a pickoff throw.
Videotape of base runners reveals that many players who use the rocker position actually start too late and are still on the base when the ball is on its way to home plate. In this case, if the players can make the adjustment to starting their motion earlier, they should continue using the rocker position because it gives the runner extra momentum. If they can't make the adjustment, they should switch to the starter position so that they do not lose time on their leadoff.
With either the rocker or starter positioning, the runner should always have her left foot in contact with the base. The front half of the foot should be in contact with the ground, and the back half should be on the base (see figure 3.8). The runner uses the base to push off, much like a starter's block in track. The runner should position her foot on the portion of the base that is closest to the outfield so that she is farthest from a potential pickoff throw by the catcher.
Leads From First Base
From first base, the runner takes a three-step lead, squaring up to the plate on her third step (see figure 3.9 on page 58). The runner must be balanced when she squares up and not leaning toward second base. The distance between home and first is 60 feet—not a very long throw for a catcher attempting a pickoff. A leaning, off-balance runner is an easy target for a pickoff. If the runner takes more than three steps, she will likely be too far off the base and will be vulnerable to a pickoff. The distance of the leadoff may change based on where the first-base player is positioned. If the first-base player is playing close to the base, the runner may have to cut down the distance of her leadoff, and vice versa.
If the runner uses the rocker positioning on the base, her first step with her right foot is step 1, the step with her left foot is step 2, and the last step with her right foot is step 3; she squares her shoulders to the plate on this third step. If the runner uses the starter positioning with her left foot on the base and her right foot in front of the base, the right foot being placed in front at the start counts as the first step. So, the player takes only two additional steps. The second step is with her left foot, and the third step is with her right foot; she squares her shoulders to the plate on this third step. The key is that the runner is no more than three steps off first base and that her feet are in a position to square up to home on the third step.
Leads From Second Base
Regarding placement of the foot on the base and starting positioning, the techniques used at first base apply to leads from second as well. However, the runner now takes a five-step lead. She can afford to do this because the distance from home to second base is 84 feet 10 inches, thus making the catcher's pickoff throw longer. A runner at second base is in scoring position and should be thinking score on any base hit. We tell our runners to take a “scoring lead.” In other words, when taking their lead, they will begin to create the angle for making a good turn at third base. The exceptions to this are the same as at first base—the runner should always run in a straight line to the next base when stealing or if the bunt play is on.
Leads From Third Base
Foot placement and starting positioning remain consistent when the runner is starting at third base. However, some differences exist in the strategy used at third. Unless the suicide squeeze play is on, the player should take a more passive lead. The worst thing that can happen at third is for a runner to be doubled off on a line drive because she was being too aggressive with her leadoff. The runner will score easily on almost every type of base hit to the outfield, so there is no reason to fire off the base too fast or too far and run into a line-drive double play. The runner must also be in position to tag up and score on a ball hit in the air to the outfield. Runners who lead off aggressively often cannot get back in time to tag, and they lose an opportunity to score a run.
Another key at third is to make sure the runner leads off in foul territory (see figure 3.10). If she is struck by a batted ball in foul territory, the ball is dead, and she returns to the base. If, however, she is struck in fair territory, she is automatically out. There is no need to lead off on or inside the baseline and run the risk of being struck by a fair ball. The runner at third base should never lead off beyond the positioning of the third-base player. Doing so will make the runner extremely vulnerable to being picked off by the catcher. This is especially true when a left-handed batter is in the batter's box.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
The importance of balance in softball success
If the batter is off balance during any part of the swing, she will not have the bat control needed to hit the ball where she wants to hit it. A well-balanced batting stance gives the batter a solid attack foundation.
Balance
All great hitters say that balance is extremely important in their success. They talk about balance in the stance, stride, and swing. Balance is especially important to singles hitters and contact hitters who must trust their hands, avoid being anxious, and let the ball come into the zone. If the batter is off balance during any part of the swing, she will not have the bat control needed to hit the ball where she wants to hit it. A well-balanced batting stance gives the batter a solid attack foundation. Balance allows the batter to be relaxed and feel confident in her ability to hit any pitch. Proper balance keeps the head still and allows the batter to see the ball more clearly.
Balance is also important in bunting, and any player who strives for a high batting average must be a very good bunter. She must be proficient at bunting for a hit as well as a sacrifice bunt. When bunting, the batter needs to be balanced on the balls of the feet and must not lean forward or backward.
Balance Beam
Purpose Consistent work on the balance beam reinforces muscle memory and helps the player through all phases of the hitting cycle. This drill is a must-have station for every hitting circuit workout.
Execution This drill requires a balance beam (see figure 4.5). The beam is a piece of 2-by-10-inch wood that is cut 4 feet long. The beam needs three support pieces made of 1-foot-long pieces of a 4-by-4-inch post. A support should be placed at each end of the beam, and one should be placed in the middle. Cover the top of the beam with Astroturf or a similar nonslip surface. The batter takes her normal batting position on the beam and takes full swings off of front tosses. The batter completes three sets of 10 repetitions.
Coaching Points The best setup is to have two balance beams in a cage, one for right-handed batters and one for left-handed batters. This way you do not have to move the beam back and forth.
Variation A second use for the balance beam is to help batters learn to avoid overstriding. To reinforce a short compact stride, have the batters set up 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.0 cm) from the end of the board. From this position, if the batter overstrides, she will get feedback really quickly. One college coach we know takes his hitters to the pool, sets them up 1 to 2 inches from the end of the high-dive board, and has them execute dry swings. He swears they are balanced and do not overstride. Although it may work, we do not recommend this approach.
Bouncing Tennis Balls
Purpose In this drill, the batter works on loading and then striding to attack position. The drill enables the batter to work on the timing of these parts of the swing in relation to the ball.
Execution To begin the drill, the coach takes a position in front and 45 degrees to the right of a right-handed batter (opposite for left-handed batters). Standing at an angle from the batter enables the coach to clearly observe the batter's entire lower body during the hitting process. The coach bounces tennis balls into the correct hitting zone. Bouncing tennis balls are more realistic than tosses because they require the batter to load on the bounce and time her stride to hit the ball as it reaches the optimum contact zone. The batter performs three sets of 10 repetitions.
Coaching Points Balance is important to the loading, striding, and hitting that the batter does in this drill. If the batter is not balanced throughout, this will show immediately, and positive changes can be made. Coaches will quickly see problems such as overstriding, striding open, rolling the front foot, or landing on the front heel. All of these problems seriously affect the batter's balance and ability to hit for average. The drill also allows the coach to observe the load (or negative) move and to help the batter improve this portion of the swing. Another great benefit of this drill is the immediate feedback. The drill allows the coach to bounce the ball on any plane desired. For instance, if a batter is struggling with pitches that are low and in, the coach can bounce it there. If the batter's problems are up and away, the coach can bounce it there.
Variation A variation of this drill is the standing toss. From the same position, the coach can toss to the batter at belt level and also observe every action within the hitting cycle. A good strategy is to begin with 20 bouncing tennis balls, which allows the coach to focus on the lower body and provide constructive feedback after each swing. Then switch to the upper-body toss with the same tennis balls from the same 45-degree angle. This enables the coach to observe the entire swing and help the batter make any necessary changes to the upper body.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
How to slap hit using the drag bunt
The drag bunt is an essential tool for a complete slapper.
Drag Bunt
The drag bunt is an essential tool for a complete slapper. The threat of the drag bunt forces the infield corner players to move closer to the plate, thereby opening up more infield gaps to slap through. The footwork described earlier for the crossover step should be used for the drag bunt.
Technique
During the crossover step, the slapper should slide her top (left) hand up the bat as far as possible while remaining comfortable (see figure 2.8a). The bottom (right) hand should remain near the knob of the bat on the grip. Separating the two hands allows for greater bat control. The slapper wants to bring her bottom hand to her right side and keep it close to her body. A common mistake made in bunting is to extend the bottom hand away from the body too much (see figure 2.8b). This causes the barrel to angle toward foul territory, and the batter will bunt the ball foul.
Slappers should have the barrel at the top of the strike zone when they bring it into the contact area. This gives them a guideline for identifying the strike zone. If the barrel is at the top of the zone, the slapper knows that any pitch above the barrel is a ball and that she should let it go. If a pitch is below the barrel but above the knees, the pitch is a strike, and the slapper may want to bunt it. For a low pitch, the slapper will bend her knees to bring the barrel down to the height of the pitch. She does not want to drop the bat head because that will increase her chances of popping up the ball.
At contact, the bat should be level in the zone; the barrel should be even with the handle or slightly out in front. Keeping the barrel out in front of the handle will help ensure that the ball is bunted fair. The slapper needs to “catch” the ball on the bat and should not try to push, drop, or pull back the barrel of the bat. A common mistake that batters make on a drag bunt is to move the barrel at contact in an attempt to direct the ball or deaden it so that it doesn't go too far. Movement creates the opportunity for a foul ball or pop-up. To help avoid this, batters can pretend that there is a fielder's glove on the end of the bat and simply catch the ball.
Slappers can do two things to help deaden a drag bunt: slide their top hand farther up the barrel (see figure 2.9a), and bunt the ball on the top 5 inches of the bat (away from the sweet spot). An easy way to practice bunting the ball on the top 5 inches (12.7 cm) is to place a piece of tape around the barrel 5 inches from the top (figure 2.9b). The slapper must make contact in the area between the end of the bat and the tape. Another trick that some players use to help deaden bunts is to point their index finger up the barrel of the bat. (figure 2.9c).
Placement and Strategy
Unless the slapper is trying to bunt to a specific infielder, the ideal placement for a drag bunt is approximately 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3.0 m) directly in front of home plate. A drag bunt placed an equal distance from the catcher, pitcher, and third- and first-base players will require communication between all four players about who is going to field the bunt. Whenever a batter can create communication issues for the defense, she has also created the potential for miscommunication and mistakes.
The Cones for Placement Targets drill on page 22 is a great way to work on placement for the drag bunt too. Create a circle with either cones or field chalk around the area where you want the ball to be bunted; the slappers then work on placing drag bunts in that area. We like to have contests to see who can place the most bunts in the target zone. There is nothing like competition between players to increase the intensity level and performance.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
Methods of running from first or second base
When a runner begins the play at first or second base, she should use home-to-first running techniques in the following situations: if stealing, if the bunt play is on, or if the ball is put into play in the infield and there is a potential force-out at the base to which she is advancing.
Running From First or Second Base
When a runner begins the play at first or second base, she should use home-to-first running techniques in the following situations: if stealing, if the bunt play is on, or if the ball is put into play in the infield and there is a potential force-out at the base to which she is advancing. If, however, the base runner's teammate (the batter) hits the ball through the infield (and it is not a potential tag-up situation), the runner should use home-to-second running techniques and create a good angle for rounding the next base; she should anticipate advancing two bases instead of just one. Base runners must remember to run until the defense stops them!
Leadoffs
There is an ongoing debate in softball circles about the type of leadoff that players should use on the bases. Some argue that the rocker positioning (see figure 3.6) is best, while others subscribe to the starter positioning (see figure 3.7). On our team, we want players to use whichever positioning helps them to be on time off the base. The base runner can leave the base when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. Therefore, she needs to be sure that she is leaving the base at that time and no later. A runner who is late off the bases is much more vulnerable to a pickoff because she is still moving off the base as the ball is being received by the catcher. A runner who is on time off the base will be balanced and able to get back quickly on a pickoff throw.
Videotape of base runners reveals that many players who use the rocker position actually start too late and are still on the base when the ball is on its way to home plate. In this case, if the players can make the adjustment to starting their motion earlier, they should continue using the rocker position because it gives the runner extra momentum. If they can't make the adjustment, they should switch to the starter position so that they do not lose time on their leadoff.
With either the rocker or starter positioning, the runner should always have her left foot in contact with the base. The front half of the foot should be in contact with the ground, and the back half should be on the base (see figure 3.8). The runner uses the base to push off, much like a starter's block in track. The runner should position her foot on the portion of the base that is closest to the outfield so that she is farthest from a potential pickoff throw by the catcher.
Leads From First Base
From first base, the runner takes a three-step lead, squaring up to the plate on her third step (see figure 3.9 on page 58). The runner must be balanced when she squares up and not leaning toward second base. The distance between home and first is 60 feet—not a very long throw for a catcher attempting a pickoff. A leaning, off-balance runner is an easy target for a pickoff. If the runner takes more than three steps, she will likely be too far off the base and will be vulnerable to a pickoff. The distance of the leadoff may change based on where the first-base player is positioned. If the first-base player is playing close to the base, the runner may have to cut down the distance of her leadoff, and vice versa.
If the runner uses the rocker positioning on the base, her first step with her right foot is step 1, the step with her left foot is step 2, and the last step with her right foot is step 3; she squares her shoulders to the plate on this third step. If the runner uses the starter positioning with her left foot on the base and her right foot in front of the base, the right foot being placed in front at the start counts as the first step. So, the player takes only two additional steps. The second step is with her left foot, and the third step is with her right foot; she squares her shoulders to the plate on this third step. The key is that the runner is no more than three steps off first base and that her feet are in a position to square up to home on the third step.
Leads From Second Base
Regarding placement of the foot on the base and starting positioning, the techniques used at first base apply to leads from second as well. However, the runner now takes a five-step lead. She can afford to do this because the distance from home to second base is 84 feet 10 inches, thus making the catcher's pickoff throw longer. A runner at second base is in scoring position and should be thinking score on any base hit. We tell our runners to take a “scoring lead.” In other words, when taking their lead, they will begin to create the angle for making a good turn at third base. The exceptions to this are the same as at first base—the runner should always run in a straight line to the next base when stealing or if the bunt play is on.
Leads From Third Base
Foot placement and starting positioning remain consistent when the runner is starting at third base. However, some differences exist in the strategy used at third. Unless the suicide squeeze play is on, the player should take a more passive lead. The worst thing that can happen at third is for a runner to be doubled off on a line drive because she was being too aggressive with her leadoff. The runner will score easily on almost every type of base hit to the outfield, so there is no reason to fire off the base too fast or too far and run into a line-drive double play. The runner must also be in position to tag up and score on a ball hit in the air to the outfield. Runners who lead off aggressively often cannot get back in time to tag, and they lose an opportunity to score a run.
Another key at third is to make sure the runner leads off in foul territory (see figure 3.10). If she is struck by a batted ball in foul territory, the ball is dead, and she returns to the base. If, however, she is struck in fair territory, she is automatically out. There is no need to lead off on or inside the baseline and run the risk of being struck by a fair ball. The runner at third base should never lead off beyond the positioning of the third-base player. Doing so will make the runner extremely vulnerable to being picked off by the catcher. This is especially true when a left-handed batter is in the batter's box.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
The importance of balance in softball success
If the batter is off balance during any part of the swing, she will not have the bat control needed to hit the ball where she wants to hit it. A well-balanced batting stance gives the batter a solid attack foundation.
Balance
All great hitters say that balance is extremely important in their success. They talk about balance in the stance, stride, and swing. Balance is especially important to singles hitters and contact hitters who must trust their hands, avoid being anxious, and let the ball come into the zone. If the batter is off balance during any part of the swing, she will not have the bat control needed to hit the ball where she wants to hit it. A well-balanced batting stance gives the batter a solid attack foundation. Balance allows the batter to be relaxed and feel confident in her ability to hit any pitch. Proper balance keeps the head still and allows the batter to see the ball more clearly.
Balance is also important in bunting, and any player who strives for a high batting average must be a very good bunter. She must be proficient at bunting for a hit as well as a sacrifice bunt. When bunting, the batter needs to be balanced on the balls of the feet and must not lean forward or backward.
Balance Beam
Purpose Consistent work on the balance beam reinforces muscle memory and helps the player through all phases of the hitting cycle. This drill is a must-have station for every hitting circuit workout.
Execution This drill requires a balance beam (see figure 4.5). The beam is a piece of 2-by-10-inch wood that is cut 4 feet long. The beam needs three support pieces made of 1-foot-long pieces of a 4-by-4-inch post. A support should be placed at each end of the beam, and one should be placed in the middle. Cover the top of the beam with Astroturf or a similar nonslip surface. The batter takes her normal batting position on the beam and takes full swings off of front tosses. The batter completes three sets of 10 repetitions.
Coaching Points The best setup is to have two balance beams in a cage, one for right-handed batters and one for left-handed batters. This way you do not have to move the beam back and forth.
Variation A second use for the balance beam is to help batters learn to avoid overstriding. To reinforce a short compact stride, have the batters set up 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.0 cm) from the end of the board. From this position, if the batter overstrides, she will get feedback really quickly. One college coach we know takes his hitters to the pool, sets them up 1 to 2 inches from the end of the high-dive board, and has them execute dry swings. He swears they are balanced and do not overstride. Although it may work, we do not recommend this approach.
Bouncing Tennis Balls
Purpose In this drill, the batter works on loading and then striding to attack position. The drill enables the batter to work on the timing of these parts of the swing in relation to the ball.
Execution To begin the drill, the coach takes a position in front and 45 degrees to the right of a right-handed batter (opposite for left-handed batters). Standing at an angle from the batter enables the coach to clearly observe the batter's entire lower body during the hitting process. The coach bounces tennis balls into the correct hitting zone. Bouncing tennis balls are more realistic than tosses because they require the batter to load on the bounce and time her stride to hit the ball as it reaches the optimum contact zone. The batter performs three sets of 10 repetitions.
Coaching Points Balance is important to the loading, striding, and hitting that the batter does in this drill. If the batter is not balanced throughout, this will show immediately, and positive changes can be made. Coaches will quickly see problems such as overstriding, striding open, rolling the front foot, or landing on the front heel. All of these problems seriously affect the batter's balance and ability to hit for average. The drill also allows the coach to observe the load (or negative) move and to help the batter improve this portion of the swing. Another great benefit of this drill is the immediate feedback. The drill allows the coach to bounce the ball on any plane desired. For instance, if a batter is struggling with pitches that are low and in, the coach can bounce it there. If the batter's problems are up and away, the coach can bounce it there.
Variation A variation of this drill is the standing toss. From the same position, the coach can toss to the batter at belt level and also observe every action within the hitting cycle. A good strategy is to begin with 20 bouncing tennis balls, which allows the coach to focus on the lower body and provide constructive feedback after each swing. Then switch to the upper-body toss with the same tennis balls from the same 45-degree angle. This enables the coach to observe the entire swing and help the batter make any necessary changes to the upper body.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
How to slap hit using the drag bunt
The drag bunt is an essential tool for a complete slapper.
Drag Bunt
The drag bunt is an essential tool for a complete slapper. The threat of the drag bunt forces the infield corner players to move closer to the plate, thereby opening up more infield gaps to slap through. The footwork described earlier for the crossover step should be used for the drag bunt.
Technique
During the crossover step, the slapper should slide her top (left) hand up the bat as far as possible while remaining comfortable (see figure 2.8a). The bottom (right) hand should remain near the knob of the bat on the grip. Separating the two hands allows for greater bat control. The slapper wants to bring her bottom hand to her right side and keep it close to her body. A common mistake made in bunting is to extend the bottom hand away from the body too much (see figure 2.8b). This causes the barrel to angle toward foul territory, and the batter will bunt the ball foul.
Slappers should have the barrel at the top of the strike zone when they bring it into the contact area. This gives them a guideline for identifying the strike zone. If the barrel is at the top of the zone, the slapper knows that any pitch above the barrel is a ball and that she should let it go. If a pitch is below the barrel but above the knees, the pitch is a strike, and the slapper may want to bunt it. For a low pitch, the slapper will bend her knees to bring the barrel down to the height of the pitch. She does not want to drop the bat head because that will increase her chances of popping up the ball.
At contact, the bat should be level in the zone; the barrel should be even with the handle or slightly out in front. Keeping the barrel out in front of the handle will help ensure that the ball is bunted fair. The slapper needs to “catch” the ball on the bat and should not try to push, drop, or pull back the barrel of the bat. A common mistake that batters make on a drag bunt is to move the barrel at contact in an attempt to direct the ball or deaden it so that it doesn't go too far. Movement creates the opportunity for a foul ball or pop-up. To help avoid this, batters can pretend that there is a fielder's glove on the end of the bat and simply catch the ball.
Slappers can do two things to help deaden a drag bunt: slide their top hand farther up the barrel (see figure 2.9a), and bunt the ball on the top 5 inches of the bat (away from the sweet spot). An easy way to practice bunting the ball on the top 5 inches (12.7 cm) is to place a piece of tape around the barrel 5 inches from the top (figure 2.9b). The slapper must make contact in the area between the end of the bat and the tape. Another trick that some players use to help deaden bunts is to point their index finger up the barrel of the bat. (figure 2.9c).
Placement and Strategy
Unless the slapper is trying to bunt to a specific infielder, the ideal placement for a drag bunt is approximately 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3.0 m) directly in front of home plate. A drag bunt placed an equal distance from the catcher, pitcher, and third- and first-base players will require communication between all four players about who is going to field the bunt. Whenever a batter can create communication issues for the defense, she has also created the potential for miscommunication and mistakes.
The Cones for Placement Targets drill on page 22 is a great way to work on placement for the drag bunt too. Create a circle with either cones or field chalk around the area where you want the ball to be bunted; the slappers then work on placing drag bunts in that area. We like to have contests to see who can place the most bunts in the target zone. There is nothing like competition between players to increase the intensity level and performance.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
Methods of running from first or second base
When a runner begins the play at first or second base, she should use home-to-first running techniques in the following situations: if stealing, if the bunt play is on, or if the ball is put into play in the infield and there is a potential force-out at the base to which she is advancing.
Running From First or Second Base
When a runner begins the play at first or second base, she should use home-to-first running techniques in the following situations: if stealing, if the bunt play is on, or if the ball is put into play in the infield and there is a potential force-out at the base to which she is advancing. If, however, the base runner's teammate (the batter) hits the ball through the infield (and it is not a potential tag-up situation), the runner should use home-to-second running techniques and create a good angle for rounding the next base; she should anticipate advancing two bases instead of just one. Base runners must remember to run until the defense stops them!
Leadoffs
There is an ongoing debate in softball circles about the type of leadoff that players should use on the bases. Some argue that the rocker positioning (see figure 3.6) is best, while others subscribe to the starter positioning (see figure 3.7). On our team, we want players to use whichever positioning helps them to be on time off the base. The base runner can leave the base when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. Therefore, she needs to be sure that she is leaving the base at that time and no later. A runner who is late off the bases is much more vulnerable to a pickoff because she is still moving off the base as the ball is being received by the catcher. A runner who is on time off the base will be balanced and able to get back quickly on a pickoff throw.
Videotape of base runners reveals that many players who use the rocker position actually start too late and are still on the base when the ball is on its way to home plate. In this case, if the players can make the adjustment to starting their motion earlier, they should continue using the rocker position because it gives the runner extra momentum. If they can't make the adjustment, they should switch to the starter position so that they do not lose time on their leadoff.
With either the rocker or starter positioning, the runner should always have her left foot in contact with the base. The front half of the foot should be in contact with the ground, and the back half should be on the base (see figure 3.8). The runner uses the base to push off, much like a starter's block in track. The runner should position her foot on the portion of the base that is closest to the outfield so that she is farthest from a potential pickoff throw by the catcher.
Leads From First Base
From first base, the runner takes a three-step lead, squaring up to the plate on her third step (see figure 3.9 on page 58). The runner must be balanced when she squares up and not leaning toward second base. The distance between home and first is 60 feet—not a very long throw for a catcher attempting a pickoff. A leaning, off-balance runner is an easy target for a pickoff. If the runner takes more than three steps, she will likely be too far off the base and will be vulnerable to a pickoff. The distance of the leadoff may change based on where the first-base player is positioned. If the first-base player is playing close to the base, the runner may have to cut down the distance of her leadoff, and vice versa.
If the runner uses the rocker positioning on the base, her first step with her right foot is step 1, the step with her left foot is step 2, and the last step with her right foot is step 3; she squares her shoulders to the plate on this third step. If the runner uses the starter positioning with her left foot on the base and her right foot in front of the base, the right foot being placed in front at the start counts as the first step. So, the player takes only two additional steps. The second step is with her left foot, and the third step is with her right foot; she squares her shoulders to the plate on this third step. The key is that the runner is no more than three steps off first base and that her feet are in a position to square up to home on the third step.
Leads From Second Base
Regarding placement of the foot on the base and starting positioning, the techniques used at first base apply to leads from second as well. However, the runner now takes a five-step lead. She can afford to do this because the distance from home to second base is 84 feet 10 inches, thus making the catcher's pickoff throw longer. A runner at second base is in scoring position and should be thinking score on any base hit. We tell our runners to take a “scoring lead.” In other words, when taking their lead, they will begin to create the angle for making a good turn at third base. The exceptions to this are the same as at first base—the runner should always run in a straight line to the next base when stealing or if the bunt play is on.
Leads From Third Base
Foot placement and starting positioning remain consistent when the runner is starting at third base. However, some differences exist in the strategy used at third. Unless the suicide squeeze play is on, the player should take a more passive lead. The worst thing that can happen at third is for a runner to be doubled off on a line drive because she was being too aggressive with her leadoff. The runner will score easily on almost every type of base hit to the outfield, so there is no reason to fire off the base too fast or too far and run into a line-drive double play. The runner must also be in position to tag up and score on a ball hit in the air to the outfield. Runners who lead off aggressively often cannot get back in time to tag, and they lose an opportunity to score a run.
Another key at third is to make sure the runner leads off in foul territory (see figure 3.10). If she is struck by a batted ball in foul territory, the ball is dead, and she returns to the base. If, however, she is struck in fair territory, she is automatically out. There is no need to lead off on or inside the baseline and run the risk of being struck by a fair ball. The runner at third base should never lead off beyond the positioning of the third-base player. Doing so will make the runner extremely vulnerable to being picked off by the catcher. This is especially true when a left-handed batter is in the batter's box.
Learn more about High-Scoring Softball.
The importance of balance in softball success
If the batter is off balance during any part of the swing, she will not have the bat control needed to hit the ball where she wants to hit it. A well-balanced batting stance gives the batter a solid attack foundation.
Balance
All great hitters say that balance is extremely important in their success. They talk about balance in the stance, stride, and swing. Balance is especially important to singles hitters and contact hitters who must trust their hands, avoid being anxious, and let the ball come into the zone. If the batter is off balance during any part of the swing, she will not have the bat control needed to hit the ball where she wants to hit it. A well-balanced batting stance gives the batter a solid attack foundation. Balance allows the batter to be relaxed and feel confident in her ability to hit any pitch. Proper balance keeps the head still and allows the batter to see the ball more clearly.
Balance is also important in bunting, and any player who strives for a high batting average must be a very good bunter. She must be proficient at bunting for a hit as well as a sacrifice bunt. When bunting, the batter needs to be balanced on the balls of the feet and must not lean forward or backward.
Balance Beam
Purpose Consistent work on the balance beam reinforces muscle memory and helps the player through all phases of the hitting cycle. This drill is a must-have station for every hitting circuit workout.
Execution This drill requires a balance beam (see figure 4.5). The beam is a piece of 2-by-10-inch wood that is cut 4 feet long. The beam needs three support pieces made of 1-foot-long pieces of a 4-by-4-inch post. A support should be placed at each end of the beam, and one should be placed in the middle. Cover the top of the beam with Astroturf or a similar nonslip surface. The batter takes her normal batting position on the beam and takes full swings off of front tosses. The batter completes three sets of 10 repetitions.
Coaching Points The best setup is to have two balance beams in a cage, one for right-handed batters and one for left-handed batters. This way you do not have to move the beam back and forth.
Variation A second use for the balance beam is to help batters learn to avoid overstriding. To reinforce a short compact stride, have the batters set up 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.0 cm) from the end of the board. From this position, if the batter overstrides, she will get feedback really quickly. One college coach we know takes his hitters to the pool, sets them up 1 to 2 inches from the end of the high-dive board, and has them execute dry swings. He swears they are balanced and do not overstride. Although it may work, we do not recommend this approach.
Bouncing Tennis Balls
Purpose In this drill, the batter works on loading and then striding to attack position. The drill enables the batter to work on the timing of these parts of the swing in relation to the ball.
Execution To begin the drill, the coach takes a position in front and 45 degrees to the right of a right-handed batter (opposite for left-handed batters). Standing at an angle from the batter enables the coach to clearly observe the batter's entire lower body during the hitting process. The coach bounces tennis balls into the correct hitting zone. Bouncing tennis balls are more realistic than tosses because they require the batter to load on the bounce and time her stride to hit the ball as it reaches the optimum contact zone. The batter performs three sets of 10 repetitions.
Coaching Points Balance is important to the loading, striding, and hitting that the batter does in this drill. If the batter is not balanced throughout, this will show immediately, and positive changes can be made. Coaches will quickly see problems such as overstriding, striding open, rolling the front foot, or landing on the front heel. All of these problems seriously affect the batter's balance and ability to hit for average. The drill also allows the coach to observe the load (or negative) move and to help the batter improve this portion of the swing. Another great benefit of this drill is the immediate feedback. The drill allows the coach to bounce the ball on any plane desired. For instance, if a batter is struggling with pitches that are low and in, the coach can bounce it there. If the batter's problems are up and away, the coach can bounce it there.
Variation A variation of this drill is the standing toss. From the same position, the coach can toss to the batter at belt level and also observe every action within the hitting cycle. A good strategy is to begin with 20 bouncing tennis balls, which allows the coach to focus on the lower body and provide constructive feedback after each swing. Then switch to the upper-body toss with the same tennis balls from the same 45-degree angle. This enables the coach to observe the entire swing and help the batter make any necessary changes to the upper body.
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