Switch Hitting in Slow Pitch
Also known as: switch hitting in slow pitch, is switch hitting worth it, switch hit in slow pitch, learn to hit lefty for slow pitch, hitting left-handed in slow pitch, batting from both sides in slow pitch
Most slow-pitch hitters do not need to learn the other side. The pitch is slow and arcs in, so there is no breaking ball that looks easier from one side. Learning to hit lefty can still help a right-hander who wants to place the ball to the right side or start a step closer to first. It only pays off if you practice the new side until you can hit it hard.
In baseball, switch hitting mostly helps against curves and sliders that break away. Slow pitch has nothing like that. The ball comes in on a high arc with little movement. So the main reason to switch hit in baseball mostly disappears.
There are still a few good reasons. A left-handed swing starts closer to first base, which helps a fast runner beat out ground balls. A lefty swing also pulls the ball to the right side, which helps against a defense shaded to the left. Some players switch after an injury makes their usual side painful.
The cost is practice time. A weak swing from your new side is easy for ten fielders to handle. Most players do better using that time to improve their main swing and their opposite-field hitting.
Under USA Softball rules, you may set up in either box. You are out, though, if you step directly in front of the catcher to the other box once the pitcher is in position to pitch.
Tips by skill level
Before learning a new side, learn to drive the ball to the opposite field from your natural side.
If you do switch, start in batting practice and live rounds. Use the new side in games only when it hits the ball as hard as your main side.
Example
A right-handed hitter who runs well practices left-handed all winter. By spring, she can drive line drives to right field. Against teams that shade left, she bats lefty and beats out two infield grounders.
Why it matters
Switch hitting takes a lot of practice to pay off. Knowing why it helps less in slow pitch keeps you from spending a season on a swing that will not win at-bats.
Common mistakes
- Switching sides in games before the new swing is ready
- Expecting the same benefit as in baseball
- Neglecting the main swing while learning a new one
- Crossing in front of the catcher after the pitcher is set
Frequently asked questions
Is switch hitting worth it in slow pitch?
Usually not, unless you are fast or face defenses shaded to one side. The arc has no breaking ball to escape, so improving your main swing pays off more.
Can you switch batter's boxes during an at-bat in slow pitch?
Yes, before the pitcher is set. Under USA Softball rules, stepping directly in front of the catcher to the other box once the pitcher is in position is an out.
Sources
Related terms
- Opposite-Field HittingOpposite-field hitting sends the ball away from the pull side: right field for a righty. The key is letting the ball travel deeper into the contact zone.
- Placement Hitting (Slow-Pitch)Placement hitting means aiming the ball at open grass instead of trying to hit it as hard and high as you can. With ten fielders in slow pitch, the open spots are usually the gaps between outfielders and the shallow space in front of a deep outfield. To get the ball past a rover or short fielder, drive a firm line drive just over the infield. To hit behind a runner on first, let the ball travel and drive it to the right side.
- Switching From Baseball to Slow-PitchThe biggest change for baseball hitters in slow pitch is timing. The ball falls steeply on a high arc, and baseball hitters tend to swing too early. Wait for the ball to start dropping, stay back and drive it on a line instead of rolling it over or popping it up.
- Defensive ShiftA defensive shift is an unconventional repositioning of fielders toward one side of the field to take away a pull hitter's most likely batted-ball zone.
Related guides & benchmarks
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