Hitting Tips - The Mental Game

Don't try to hit the ball over the fence - try to hit it through the fence! Don't worry about your average. Simply try to hit the ball 5 to 7 times hard, and your average will increase.

How do you hit an outside pitch?

An outside pitch can be hit if you wait longer to take your swing. If you let the ball get deeper into the hitting zone, you can drive it the opposite way. If you try to hit it sooner, you will get it off the end of the bat and probably sting your hands and hit a "spinner".

Try to keep your front shoulder facing the pitcher as long as possible, and wait until the ball gets a little closer than usual and take your typical quick swing.

Playing ball in the heat!

This tip is only relevant to certain regions of the country, but many of us do travel to warmer climates to play ball. If you find yourself playing in a hot and humid area, many new problems arise that you may not be used to dealing with.

First rule, BEFORE YOU GET THIRST, DRINK. DRINK BEFORE YOU GET THIRSTY. This simple rule will keep you hydrated without getting that "water belly" feeling. We all know how it feels after you chug your water and run out on the field. To avoid times of feeling thirsty but too full to drink, one good thing you can do is try to drink a half a gallon to a gallon of water the afternoon and evening before the game. This will make sure your body has enough water in it to keep you hydrated. During the competition, continue to sip water.

It's also a good idea to have some sort of sports drink. Ones without a ton of sugar are usually better, but anything with electrolytes is great. These will keep you from getting that "dizzy" feeling when it's really hot out there. Alternate drinking the sports drink with water and you should feel pretty good.

Some cold water on towels is also a great way to keep your self cool. No matter what happens, stay in the shade as long as possible and stay hydrated.

Where to focus once you step in the box to hit?

Never look at the pitchers eyes. Focus on her hip where the ball will be released. While you are looking there, see if she gets her grip outside of her glove to give away any of her pitches.

Focus on seeing the ball right out of her hand. You eyes have enough time during a pitch to refocus 3 times. Your eyes will focus once at her hip, once half way, and once as it gets to you. The first time is most important to recognize the release and type of pitch, second time is important to see if it's a ball or strike. And the third is important to make contact.

Building Arm Strength

Throw, throw & then throw some more. You're born with some of your arm strength, but most people have to work very hard to get their strength. Pro players work out almost every day, even in the off season. And they know that long toss is the key!

Depending on your age you should long toss during the season about 2 to 3 times a week.

How to pick a glove!

We get this question almost every day. Here you go. Be sure to read how to break in a glove below. There are lots of gloves to choose from - but it's easier than you might think. Consider this; When picking out a glove, you first need to decide where you are going to play - not always easy because most of the time you'll play more than one position. One suggestion is to get a glove that is a little larger so you can use it at multiple positions and allow for some room to grow into it.

Outfielders usually have the largest gloves. Infielders tend to have smaller gloves with a smaller pocket - makes sense huh!

If you are a pitcher, you'll want to make sure you have a closed web so the other team can't see your pitches!

Breaking in your new softball glove

You're going to need the following items; - A new softball glove (see above) - Some shaving cream - A softball - Some rope or a long sock (panty hose can work as well)

Put a small amount (small handful) of shaving cream in your hand. Rub the entire amount into the pocket of the glove until the white foam is gone. Do this about once a week for about a month (that's 4 or 5 times). Once you've rubbed in the cream, place the softball in the pocket of the glove and tie the rope or sock around the glove. A good thing to try is to get a cheap pair of panty hose, cut one leg off. Put a softball into the panty hose so it drops to the toe. Then just put the ball in the pocket and wrap the hose around the glove to form the web. Keep it in a dry place. Don't let the glove close flat - close it at an angle so that the pinky finger shows a little.

Play catch with the new glove! Playing catch is the best way to break in a new glove (besides, it's more fun). You can also put your hand in your new glove and lightly tap the bat into the pocket of the glove. You're working to form the inside pocket to your hand as well as soften the leather for a completely custom fit.

Be patient! Breaking in a good glove will take at least 2 or 3 weeks depending on how much you use and work with it.