How to Improve My Timing in Slow-Pitch Softball

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Hitting a slow-pitch softball can be a foreign concept, especially to players who have a history playing primarily fast-pitch softball or baseball. While the swing remains largely the same no matter what speed the ball is pitched at, the timing of your swing is drastically different in the slow-pitch game.

Step 1

Recognize what pitch the pitcher is throwing as soon as possible. Quality slow-pitch pitchers will be able to vary the speed of their pitches, and if you can determine if it is a straight ball or a type of breaking ball soon after it’s released, you will be able to time your swing that much better.

Step 2

Practice your swing without striding. Since the softball is moving slower, it can be easy to stride too early toward the ball, which can totally throw off your timing. If you are able to pick out the exact point in the ball flight when to start your swing with your upper body, you will help train yourself when you can begin your stride with your lower body.

Step 3

Watch the ball all the way to the bat. With enough practice and muscle memory, you will instinctively begin your swing at the right time, contacting the ball just in front of the plate. If you take your eye off the ball, your rhythm will be thrown off and you will essentially be blindly swinging at the pitch.