Learning fastpitch batting techniques are vital for girls hoping to progress in softball. Fastpitch can be a difficult transition to make from slow pitch softball. Here are some fastpitch batting techniques to help you get on your way.

The first thing you should do is practice your stance. A good stance is the starting point for being able to hit the fast pitch. The right stance is with your knees bent and your feet a little bit farther apart than your shoulders. Bend a little bit forward from the waist (but not completely over the plate).

Now you’ll want to practice gripping the bat. Line your knuckles up with each other and grip the narrower end of the bat. Try swinging to determine whether you should choke up on the bat (meaning you move your hands up closer to the wider end of the bat).

When you’re practicing your swing, especially before an at-bat, it’s a good idea to use a training bat, or weighted bat. This will make swinging the actual bat much lighter, which will hopefully give you a little extra power.

As you practice your fastpitch batting techniques, take a step with your front foot toward the pitcher and pivot your rear foot. You want to swing your hips so that your body is utilizing as much energy as possible to hit the ball with.

Keep your swing even and your eye on the ball. The barrel, or wider part of the bat should hit the ball head-on. Fully extend your arms, making the most of your swing. This is called the follow through. Your bat should continue moving even after you’ve hit the ball so that it practically touches your back shoulder at the end of your swing.

Follow these tips and focus on every at-bat. When you are cognizant of your fastpitch batting techniques, you’ll be able to work on things you may be doing wrong.