Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 at 3:32 am
You can see them all around the softball park, swinging their bats, hitting at imaginary targets and sometimes practicing at objects, improving their strength all the time. The force behind the swing of the batters can be tremendous. The truth is, it is not the strength behind the swing that only matters. It is also the kind of bat one uses.
How to pick the right bat?
The Length
To pick the correct bat length, the bat should be long enough to reach your wrist when you are standing straight with arms on your size. With the tip of the bat touching the ground to your wrist will very most likely the most comfortable bat length that you can pick.
The Weight
Every softball player has his own individual requirement especially when it comes to carrying out weights. The rule of the thumb when picking the correct bat weight is to try out the bat first. See if the player can swing the bat comfortably and control the swing with both hands without strain. The bat has to be the heaviest that the player can swing without loss of speed. If the bat does not fall into these categories, look for another one. It does not matter if the bat chosen is the most expensive and the most beautifully crafted with the most advanced material. If the player will be sacrificing these, the player will only be having a good top of the line, technically crafted bat. You can not say that for his swings.
Whatever the case, always take a bat that is light. Lighter bats can be swung faster and the resulting distance could be farther.
Having said that, here are ways to pick legal bats.
Advancement in technology has created bats where the softball bats can fit and be comfortably swung by players of all ages and built. Even the less technically proficient can today, swing the softball bat and hit the ball at speeds that can pose a serious problem with the pitcher and the infielders. Technically advanced bats can also ruin the game, as players would rely more and more on the more expensive multiple alloys instead of having fun and developing the skill. For these reasons, many softball organizations started banning specific bats and having guidelines for softball bat specifications.
The ideal softball bat in the hands of a good player translates to the game Americans love. To prepare for a good batting positions here are a few suggestions:
Loosen up. Twist back and forth, bend up and down, do a stationary jog, do anything to loosen up the muscles. If you have a good bat speed, fluidity in movement will give you the power.
When you are batting, distribute your weight on both feet. When the ball is in the level between your shoulders and your chest, hit it. Hitting the ball in that position is just giving it another direction. The power that you smash it with will give it the distance.
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Lifting for Softball with Dirk Androff
A variety of weightlifting exercises that concentrate on the primary muscles used when playing softball.
Step-by-step instruction on proper form and technique in performing each exercise.
The late Dirk Androff illustrates one of his three-day workouts for you to write down and get started immediately.
Tips on mental preparation, intensity and planning for your workouts.
This video is perfect f... |
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The UPM is sturdy, portable, and requires no electricity. Named the official Pony Baseball and Softball League pitching machine, the Ultimate Pitching Machine (UPM) 45 helps batters and coaches enjoy a more successful batting practice or coach-pitch game. It's sturdy, portable, and requires no electricity, which makes it great for practices and games, home or away. Plus it saves the coach's ar... |
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Get the baggier look that today's younger pros wear with the Easton® Quantum Pro men's pant with piping. It's crafted using the moisture-wicking Bio-Dri™ performance fabric that draws sweat away from the skin to keep any athlete cool and dry. The UV-protective fabric construction shields your skin from harmful sun damage.... |
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