Hitting to the Opposite Field in Softball

In slow-pitch softball, hitting to the opposite field is a very valuable offensive tool. Some softball players are power hitters, and others are placement hitters. Placement hitters can pretty much put a softball anywhere they want to on a softball field. These are the hitters that are proficient at hitting to the opposite field. Here is how they do it, and why it is important to the game of softball.

Hitting to the opposite field in softball is warranted when the right fielder is playing too far away from the foul line. It is also used when a runner is on first or second base. This allows the runners to advance and only be challenged by a longer throw. Sometimes this is effective because of the way the defense lines up. If the first baseman is guarding the line, and the second baseman is closer to the bag, then a hitter will hit to the opposite field. With a left handed soft ball hitter, the same is true only in reverse. They will be hitting to left field.

To hit the ball to the opposite field in softball, you should first line up with your feet parallel to home plate. Upon the wind up of the pitcher, you should turn your feet inwards as though they are facing the back of home plate. This turns your shoulders inward, and will help you to drive the softball in the opposite direction. You always swing a little bit later than you would to send the ball up the middle. This foot movement should be discreet, as a severe movement will simply make you miss the pitch.

Even a slight turning of the shoulders will help you to go to the opposite field in softball. Some hitters are able to do this simply by waiting to swing the bat at the last minute. Some hitters need the added help of turning inwards as described above. It is far better to be able to do it without turning inwards because the defense will not expect it. If they see you turn your feet, then they will know the ball is coming that way and adjust.