The softball swing is entirely different from the baseball swing. In a proper softball swing, consists of the batters weight shifting back and thrusted forward at the contact point.  On top of that you need to make sure your front knee is bent.

The major difference in the hitting techniques of both games is due to the ball size and pitching difference.

In Softball, the ball is bigger and pitches at the closer distance as in baseball. Also, due to the underhand position, it remains flat. The main aim is to hit line drive using the leveled swing.

Types of Hitting Techniques Famous in the Fastpitch Softball

• Mainly, two kinds of hitting techniques are famous in fastpitch softball: Rotational and Linear. Which hitting approach is better is a very long discussion, with every player having their favorite.

  Depending on the pitch count, batters will either have a conservative or aggressive approach. Whatever the process is, the player should be highly confident about it.

  However, it is essential from the very beginning that players must consider the proper hitting mechanics.

  When the approach is wrong from the beginning, it becomes harder to change it later as it becomes the player’s habit – and habits are not easy to alter.

  Let’s have a look at the two basic hitting techniques that are highly renowned:

  Rotational Hitting

  Rotational hitting is a form of powerful hitting that focuses entirely on ‘torque’. But, one can see that it is not the type you can be consistent with as it requires lots and lots of energy.

  The hitters who go for rotational hitting mostly have the intention to have more home runs. But, eventually, when the mechanics are wrong, they are the ones having more strikeouts.

  Rotational hitting is also known as short swing. It is swinging with rotation in the spotlight. In this style, the bat cuts the extension short and glide through the hitting area.

  The spinning comes into action when the focus needs to produce power. When the player spins, it gives the hitter great power, but when not in focus, it can cost energy with the strike only.

  Linear Hitting

  Linear hitting is a kind of technique that doesn’t require as much power as rotational hitting. In this technique, the hitting is relatively consistent.

  The main focus of this technique is the priority of the player to only go for the straight line when swinging.

  By doing the close analysis, it can be said that when hitters use this technique efficiently, they can produce much power. The movement of the linear hitter is aligned with the direction of the ball.

  When this technique is used correctly, the front shoulder works along with the head to focus on the ball. The hitter’s consistency enhances with this technique as there’s an increased extension in the right direction.

  To improve the playing, both techniques run side by side. Torque and linear approaches both are required for the player to be on the top.

  When the hitting is too high, too low or wide, they don’t fall on the required dimension and thus might cause trouble.

  Slap

  One form of offensive softball technique is renowned as Slap. The main aim behind this hit is to through the ball as far as away.

  In any infield hit, it provides the batter with the head start on an infield. But, there is not only one kind of Slap. There are many different kinds of slaps that the players utilize at the correct time:

  • Soft Slap: Take the ball to 2 B and SS when the infield is doing great; in it, the bat lies parallel to the ball
  • Hard Slap: Hit a line drive to the outfield and follow-through
  • Chop Slap: Take the ball to the exact front of you in front of the plate. Aim to hit the ball to the end or pound it to the ground – it is for that the ball gets as much high as it can and give time to the hitter to complete the desired run
  • Drag Bunt: Hitting the ball with the end of the bat is known as drag bunt.

Some terminologies that you must know

Torque: It is the twisting force; in simple words, it is any force that allows the body or system to rotate.

Line: The line is a set of points that lie on the same plane and have one dimension only, irrespective of the height and size of the point.

When two points are present, the shortest distance between them is represented by a straight line.

Bunt: Keeping the bat stationary over the home plate, the hitter produces a soft hit. The batter mainly uses it to advance a base runner. It can be considered as one form of softball hitting technique.

For more success in hitting, then choosing the best bat is so essential. Check our newest reviews about 2020 fastpitch softball bats.

Conclusion

Rotational or linear, which technique is better? The answer depends upon the personal choice of the player. The players adjust their hitting according to the ball they are going to face.

The best technique is the one that is efficiently used at the right time by using proper mechanics.

Every player has their own style, and the game should be played for fun in the end. The combination of both techniques could even provide a better outcome.

Take the linear technique’s consistency with the rotational hitting’s power to take your game to a whole new level.