Hunting a Pitch (Fast-Pitch)
Also known as: should i look for one pitch, look for one pitch softball, hunting a pitch softball, hunting a pitch fastpitch, sitting on a location softball, sit on a pitch fastpitch, sitting on the rise ball, guess hitting softball
Yes, early in the count many fast-pitch hitters look for one pitch type or one zone and swing hard only if they get it. Against a drop-ball pitcher, hunt the ones that start belt-high. Against a rise-ball pitcher, hunt below your hands and take anything above them. With two strikes, widen your zone and protect the plate.
Hunting a pitch narrows your job. Instead of reacting to everything, you decide what you want before the pitch. When it comes, you are ready to swing without doubt. When it does not, you take it and wait.
Fast-pitch pitchers make this useful. Many have one main pitch and one or two others. Watch warm-ups and the hitters before you. Notice what she throws first-pitch and when she is ahead. A location works as well as a pitch type. Some hitters sit on the outer half and stay on the ball the other way.
Hunting has limits. With two strikes, you cannot wait for your pitch, so most hitters switch to a wider zone. Choke up and look for something to put in play. Hunting also fails if you never adjust. If the pitcher stops giving you that pitch, change what you look for.
Tips by skill level
Pick one zone, such as belt-high and middle, and swing only there until you have two strikes.
Chart a pitcher's first pitches and her two-strike pitches. Hunt the pitch she uses most in the counts where you are ahead.
Example
A hitter notices the pitcher starts every batter with a rise ball. On 0-0, she sits on a pitch below her hands. When the rise comes up high she takes it, then drives the next pitch at the belt.
Why it matters
A clear plan beats guessing. Hunting a pitch helps a hitter swing hard at mistakes and lay off the pitcher's best stuff.
Common mistakes
- Hunting with two strikes
- Never changing the plan when the pitcher adjusts
- Taking a meatball because it was not the hunted pitch
- Guessing randomly instead of using what you have seen
Frequently asked questions
Should I sit on a pitch in softball?
Early in the count, often yes. Look for one pitch or zone you can drive. With two strikes, widen your zone.
How do I hunt a pitch against a rise ball pitcher?
Look for pitches at or below your hands and take anything above them. The rise ball that starts high usually finishes out of the zone.
Related terms
- Zone DisciplineZone discipline is a hitter's ability to reliably swing at strikes and lay off balls. It must hold up against a fast release and pitches that move late.
- Swing Decisions (Fast-Pitch)A good swing decision means swinging at pitches you can drive and taking the rest. In fast pitch, the common chases are rise balls above the zone and drops or curves in the dirt. Get ready to swing on every pitch, then hold up on balls, and narrow your zone early in the count.
- Two-Strike ApproachA two-strike approach is how fast-pitch hitters adjust with two strikes. Most shorten the swing, cover more of the zone, and favor contact over power.
- Count AdvantageCount advantage describes which side the current ball-strike tally favours, and how each should adjust because of it.
- Sitting on a Pitch (Hunting a Fastball)Sitting on a pitch means looking for one pitch type or location and swinging only if you get it. Many hitters sit on the fastball early in the count and take anything else. It works best when the count favors the hitter or the pitcher has a pattern. With two strikes, most hitters widen their plan.
Related guides & benchmarks
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