Slow Pitch Softball Swing Mechanics - Part IV : Hands

Firing the hands at the ball is the release point for all the energy and batspeed we've stored through the first 3 steps of the swing. There are a few very simple mechanics that, when perfromed properly, will square the ball with the bat with maximum power and batspeed. The hands movement begins with the shoulders, the "trigger" from Rotation. The movement continues through the elbows and ends with a powerful snap of both wrists at the point of contact.

The Hands step breaks down into two mechanics - "Long To, Short Through". "Long To" is the transfer of energy from the lower half into the arms coupled with pulling the knob of the bat into the hitting zone. "Short To" is the quick, powerful snap of the wrists at the point of contact, transferring maximum power and batspeed to the ball.

Having a "long" swing is a baseball metaphor for "slow". That's the exact idea for the "Long To" slow pitch softball mechanic, because pitch timing dictates a longer swing in our sport. After hip rotation is complete, pull the front shoulder "trigger" by moving the front shoulder to the ball. The first motion of the hands is to bring the knob of the bat directly towards the ball, pulling the bat to the hitting zone. Move the elbows to the ball to complete this pulling action. This is a deliberate step, and also where all the energy transfer from the lower body happens, so be "Long" here. Keep the wrists back and cocked until the last instant...

The second motion, "Short To" is to snap the wrists at contact. Think of "throwing your hands at the ball" and literally fire both hands through the ball for maximum batspeed. This is the time to be "Short" or quick to the ball. Timing is crucial, because you want to transfer as much power and batspeed as possible.

Bob Woldyk, Hall of Fame slow-pitch softball player and coach (formerly of the Long Haul Bombers and Team Miken) has an excellent series of brief video instruction about the slow pitch softball swing. Here is his coaching advice on the Hands step : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Lt0c7P1H6w

Play Hard!

Coach Brian