Make sure that you’re using a fielding glove when you practice, and not a fielding mitt.
One of the most important elements of this type of throw is timing. Practice releasing your fingers at the exact moment your palm hits so that the throw can get more speed.
If you slow down your arm at the end of the throw, you can lose pitch speed.
Be sure to square your shoulders in a specific direction whenever you throw the ball. Your shoulders help serve as an invisible guide to which direction the ball goes.
When you keep your elbows up, you give your body more gravity to fight against while swinging. Keep your elbows down to increase your chances for successful hits! Repetition helps you improve as a hitter. The more repetitions you get, the less you’re going to have to think about on game day. You want batting to become muscle memory since softball is such a quick sport. [7] X Expert Source Haley SnyderSoftball Player Expert Interview. 23 June 2021. Along with throwing, bat as often as you can. [8] X Expert Source Haley SnyderSoftball Player Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.
While you want your grip to be secure, make sure that your hands are loose, as well. When you hit the ball, you want to be able to let go of the bat quickly and easily! Keep in mind that your hands will be in different positions depending on how you swing. If you’re left-handed, then your right hand will be below your left hand. If you’re right-handed, then your left hand will be below your right hand.
Try to keep your head in line with your belly button as you bat.
Even when you’re focused on the ball, don’t lose sight of your batting stance! Remember to keep your knees, hips, and shoulders angled in the same direction.
While this method is generally used with younger players, it can be a good way to refresh your catching technique. If you feel comfortable, try this drill with a normal softball.
You can position your glove differently depending on the angle of the ball. If you’re catching a low throw, then keep the fingers of your glove pointing downwards. If you’re securing a higher throw, then keep your glove in an upright position. Don’t try to snag the ball by the tip of your glove—this raises the risk of the ball dropping altogether.
Remember to squeeze your glove whenever you catch the ball. If you don’t do this, there’s a chance that the ball could slip out.
When you’re throwing overhand, pretend like you’re about to high-five someone.
In many cases, good reflexes can separate a good infielder from a great infielder. As you practice, work on boosting your reflexes to improve your game play.
For example, a shortstop player should practice throwing the ball in the direction of second base or third base. A third base player, on the other hand, should focus on throwing the ball to the catcher, second base player, and first base player. To improve multi-directional throwing, try practicing with 2 other people. Stand about 30 feet (9. 1 m) apart from one another in a triangle formation and practice jumping and pivoting to throw the ball in a new direction. [20] X Research source
This is especially important to keep in mind as an infielder.
Try transitioning between these 2 stances in preparation for a variety of different pitches and plays.
