Slowpitch Softball Hitting Tips; PT 2 - Stride (Ready to Launch)!! -- How I Improved my Ugly Swing!

Рет қаралды 13,250

2 ай бұрын

Over the past 2 years, I have worked tirelessly on improving my own slow pitch softball swing. Along the way, through research and trial and error, I have picked up a great deal of information that may be useful to others trying to get better. This video is intended to help low level rec players who are struggling to pick up the basics of the slow pitch softball swing.
In this video, I focus on the stride. This a crucial step of your swing, during which you will time up the pitch and load your hips to generate power.
I think with a little inspiration, a lot of hard work, anyone can fix a broken swing. Perhaps this video will help provide the inspiration that you need.
As always, I appreciate your support! Please hit that like button, subscribe to the channel, or drop a comment below. Or, do all three!!
Until the next video, Keep Doing Your Thing!!

Пікірлер: 60

@zabdanger 2 ай бұрын

LIKE, SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE Make sure to give D League lots of love for the effort placed into the content. My guess is that he put in hrs of time editing and filming into this video. 👍

@zabdanger 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the content and effort brother. There are good nuggs of info here. 👍 One thing that helps me when I'm in the box is reminding myself each at bat is similar to dancing. Trusting my swing, STAY RELAXED tell myself, You have all the time in the world, When the pitcher is starting his delivery then I'm mentally focusing on his fingers, follow the ball, if it's close to a strike and the pitcher is coming forward, then I'm loading (backwards) in my stride when the ball is at the peak of the arc, then aiming for the middle of the ball to keep it under 18 feet for a line drive. Slow, methodical movements in practice teach your muscles to have memory... Forget about what your stats are for that day or last week and only judge the at bat if you squared up the middle of the ball... if you did that's victory... If you're in a slump, congratulate yourself on not giving up and focus on that through each at bat you are moving closer to your next hot streak. TL;DR CONTROLLED PRACTICE, MAKES PERFECT 👌

@DLeagueBP 2 ай бұрын

I appreciate the support! And this is all sound advice. Staying relaxed is huge! And I agree that people shouldn't get bent out of shape by game night swings. It's only 3 to 5 swings, typically without any real warm-ups. Focus on whether you are having more productive BP sessions. If those improve, your game swings will eventually follow!

@Mrascon23 2 ай бұрын

Great video on the stride! My problems stem from a lot of things you covered. I’ll work on the consistency of my strides thanks again

@HakuShounen 17 күн бұрын

Some good tips in this video, especially in the "what not to do" section. The fact that every pitch is hitable is definitely a problem I've been dealing with. I need to work on being more selective.

@Gator1287 2 ай бұрын

This content is awesome and really helpful. Lots of vids out there are focused on how to swing like the pros, but they never mention that 95% of people won't have the hip explosion or hand speed that those guys have no matter how much they practice. Refreshing to see a normal person showing how to develop a great swing without the godly athleticism (no offense intended)

@DLeagueBP 2 ай бұрын

Thanks! And no offense taken. I'm 45, and my above average athleticism left me at least a decade ago

@tigerjax09 7 күн бұрын

Videos are great! I'm a total novice, playing in my first league since 2015, and only played baseball in 2nd grade. 2 videos in and I hit my first home run ever!

@DLeagueBP 4 минут бұрын

I love to hear it!

@Thisisit23 17 күн бұрын

I appreciate it. It’s uncomfortable to walk away from your hands. When you have a natural baseball swing you need your hands to be fast and stay inside. But when you have time like in slow pitch you have to get the timing down on walking away from your hands this is my biggest break through. when I was really thinking about it I feel like when I do that in BP thats when I hit the best but in games I’m just so tense and trying to put something in play I naturally fly out. I know I need to relax and loosen up a bit and feel comfortable that’s the first fix. But this walking away from your hands makes me confident to work this out heavy in BP. everytime I feel like I did it with the perfect timing for the right pitch it’s been great powerful hits. Now it’s just getting the timing down on what I’m trying to do whether it’s attack right or left field. I’m in the transition from baseball to softball swing and I know it will help me in the end. With a baseball swing I’m an in between guy and it hurts my potential bad. I can hit a home run but rarely. But I can only hit for base hits so often because the ball don’t move as fast and hangs in the air more. This swing allows me to hit missles and I appreciate you for bringing to light what I was doing with that swing that made it better than others I’ve practiced.

@DLeagueBP 16 күн бұрын

I still struggle with this myself at times. I find the more upright I stay, the more natural it feels! And if you can do it during BP, it will eventually translate to league night. You just have to keep at it and build your confidence!

@ishdisturber 2 ай бұрын

Solid video! I'm looking forward to the next. As per your question, I love the detailed overview and instruction. Maybe you can compile a summary video that covers all the elements concisely.

@DLeagueBP 2 ай бұрын

You might be reading my mind. I was just considering how I could do a final video, and maybe call it "putting it all together" And I appreciate the input!

@novemberflag__8251 2 ай бұрын

Man! I’ve been looking forward to this video and the rest of the series!! Thanks!!

@DLeagueBP 2 ай бұрын

Thanks! I appreciate the support!

@jamesrock9446 28 күн бұрын

Great tips, I'll adjust my batting once again. I've watched too many baseball coach hitting videos that I forgot that I'm hitting slow underhand pitches and an oversized ball.

@ob1smash 2 ай бұрын

Great tip on the recoiling for more force generated. I like the fence exercise.

@gp1761 2 ай бұрын

Great video really like the drill at 8:30 mark

@DLeagueBP 2 ай бұрын

Thanks! And it's one of my favorite drills. Easy to do before a game or while I'm one deck

@cousineddiehunts 2 ай бұрын

Great job! You do a really good job explaining the how and why. It's presented in such a way that whether you are a seasoned player or newer to the game and want to get better, you get something out of it. Thanks!

@DLeagueBP 2 ай бұрын

Thanks! I'm really trying to help out newcomers, but if others get something out of it, that's an added bonus

@javieralejandroacuna3908 21 күн бұрын

Thanks for this! I really appreciate

@DLeagueBP 18 күн бұрын

I appreciate your support!!

@kevina5947 2 ай бұрын

I really appreciate you taking the time to walk through all parts of the swing. I was out in front hitting weak ground balls and after a few weeks working on these tips I shortened my stride and focused more on contact. Today everything started to come together and I hit a couple hard line drives to the fence

@DLeagueBP 2 ай бұрын

Love to hear it!!

@davidliskey3553 Ай бұрын

Swinging at strikes is key! As a pitcher if i know you will swing at junk, that's what you will get. If you are willing to take a walk the next pitch you see will probably be down the middle. I play with a few guys that just don't walk and it's easier to make them pop it up

@DLeagueBP Ай бұрын

💯 I don't go up to the plate looking to walk, and if you throw me a strike, I'm swinging at it 9 out of 10 times. But, if you throw me 4 straight trash pitches, I'm just going to take my base

@davidliskey3553 Ай бұрын

@@DLeagueBP 1st pitch i go for one of the 4 corners, usually at the upper limit, if you let it land for a strike i usually put it on the hands and get foul outs. I see guys that chase the ball at least 8"off the mat

@WilliamMoran-cm2hy 21 күн бұрын

I play senior softball snd my biggest flaw is swinging too early and hitting the ball out in front of the plate. I usually hit the ball on the ground and straight at the shortstop. As much as I know this, I just can’t break the habit when I’m at the plate in a game. The ball just looks too fat and I’m too anxious. Do you have any tips for breaking this habit and hitting the ball with proper timing?

@DLeagueBP 18 күн бұрын

You actually want to hit the ball when it is out in front of you, so your problem could be something other than being early (unless you are way early). But if the issue is timing, I recommend working on hitting opposite field. Purposely let the ball get really deep, then hit it backside. This always helps my timing. Good luck!

@kdrkid81 Ай бұрын

Are these tips based off the teachings of Ken and Brett van bogart of swing makeover? They use the connected position phrase

@DLeagueBP Ай бұрын

When I decided to improve my swing, I looked at a lot of different sources, including the swing makeover. A lot of the language is the same because it is common terminology used by a lot of people. Ken has lots of good advice and drills, but I don't agree with everything he teaches (we have different advice on bat path). So to answer the question: yes, in part. They are also based on teachings of ray demarini, Ryan Harvey, and many many others, and most importantly, my own journey

@xKelseyGlamourx Ай бұрын

How you like those warstic gloves? I’m looking for a new set for when my spiderz wear out, but don’t know if bolts are worth the $100+.

@DLeagueBP Ай бұрын

I haven't tried the Bolts, so I can't say whether they are worth the $$. I really like the workman gloves by Warstic. Probably will buy another set when I eventually wear these out

@PatDaddi Ай бұрын

I bought some bolts, because I have an autoimmune disorder that causes blisters on my hands, and they are the most comfortable gloves I have found. Probably 1k swings in, and my right index finger is just now starting to show wear. I bat right handed, honestly I'm pretty happy with the gloves. Would not spend 100 bucks on them again though unless you just really want them or are in a position like myself. They're good gloves though! No break in needed.

@chrish4865 2 ай бұрын

Enjoying these videos for us new folks, thank you for making them. Curious what shoes you use in these videos?

@DLeagueBP 2 ай бұрын

Thanks! And those are Boombah turf shoes

@chrish4865 2 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@davidliskey3553 Ай бұрын

@@chrish4865 Their trail shoes have a bit more grip if you only play on dirt check those out

@yrahamaan 2 ай бұрын

How far away from the plate should you stand. Feel like I’m always popping out

@DLeagueBP 2 ай бұрын

Pop flies are caused by a number of things, and I plan to do a video discussing a couple of the more common causes. With that said, answering your question isn't super simple. I used my contact points to determine where to stand. I'll try to explain in that video how I do that. I can't swear that I'm doing it right myself, but it should be in part 4 of this series

@TonySoprano-on5iu Ай бұрын

Should you stand in the back of the box or the front? Or does that depend on the ark thrown on the ball?

@DLeagueBP Ай бұрын

I'm going to talk about this in an upcoming video, but arc definitely plays a role. Most good hitters in low arc leagues (usssa) will stand in the front of the box. In other leagues, it can be a bit trickier. Watch the pitcher. If the pitch is regularly flat, move up in the box. If it is high arch, deep strikes, you may want to move back a little. But overall, in my experience, most guys on low level rec leagues stand too far back in the box. I'm always telling my teammates to move up

@rynedahlke6462 2 ай бұрын

What type of tee is that & where can I get one like it?

@DLeagueBP 2 ай бұрын

I use the G Tee Lite (Adjustable 26-53") GT2653Lite from smashitsports. People also love their Tanner Tees, which are available all over the place

@rynedahlke6462 2 ай бұрын

Thanks man, I appreciate you sharing

@davidliskey3553 Ай бұрын

Ruckett sports makes a good one that folds up nice and has a lifetime warranty

@keithbaker944 2 ай бұрын

Ive been popping up a lot lately in into the infield? Any adivice?

@DLeagueBP 2 ай бұрын

I am planning on doing a video on this topic, but it may be a little while. There are a number of reasons people hit fly balls, but 3 that I see often. First, are you swinging up at the ball? Are you dropping your hands and your shoulder at the very beginning of your swing? If so, this will result in lots of fly balls to the outfield, but also lazy flyballs on mishits. Another common issue is sometimes caused by overswinging. Your elbow gets in front of you hands during the swing, and this will cause the bat head to drop. Your hands need to lead the way. Finally, if you are taking level, or cut swings, and your hands are leading the way, you may simply be early to the ball, or reaching for it. When I pop up in the infield, it is often because I am trying to lift a pitch that is low and out in front of me. Those are hard to cut, and once I'm off balance, I end up popping it up. If you have to swing at those balls because you have 2 strikes on you and you are worried, just drive them hard on the ground. Someday, I'll make a video demonstrating each of these. But for now, you know your swing the best, and maybe you will be able to figure out if you are doing any, or all, of these. Good Luck!

@keithbaker944 2 ай бұрын

@@DLeagueBP thanks. I just started playing and nevee pop up in practice. The ganes just started and now Im popping up to the infield all of a sudden I think I may be over eager and swinging too hard or too early after reasing youe responss.

@DLeagueBP 2 ай бұрын

@keithbaker944 obviously we want to do well in games, but remember those are only 3 or 4 swings, most often with no warm up. So, don't let that discourage you. If you can do it in practice, you can do it in the game. Just takes time. We often overthink during the game because we can't simply say "throw me another" after a bad swing. So relax and just focus on contact, not power, for now

@keithbaker944 2 ай бұрын

@@DLeagueBP rhanks for the advice. I notice the other new players to the team that havent played before havi g some similiar struggles in the games so far vs the veteran players. Ill try to stay relaxed

@keithbaker944 2 ай бұрын

@@DLeagueBP just wanted to say my game last night I didnt hit any popups and hit the ball well. 2 line drives and a hard grounder. Your tips helped.

@mctastylovessmokin9497 15 күн бұрын

I appreciate the instructional tips, that’s great, but mix in some hits with the instruction vs just talking for a half hour.

@MugginsTecmoStars Ай бұрын

Dude just copied the swing makeover channel. Though admittedly it's all in one place which is nice

@DLeagueBP Ай бұрын

And Swing Makeover is just a copy of Ray Demarini's instructional videos. So what exactly is your point? Good mechanics are good mechanics. There will absolutely be a bunch of overlap. I just do my best to clearly explain the swing to beginners. I do of course appreciate the view! Keep doing your thing!

@TonySoprano-on5iu Ай бұрын

You do realize there’s a BUNCH of other videos that cover batting technique right?

@thedrivingcroonerdotcom 2 ай бұрын

These videos are gold. I’m new to slow pitch hitting and it’s way different than baseball. Your tip to stay relaxed and upright until the load and stride really helped.

@DLeagueBP 2 ай бұрын

Thanks! I really like knowing that people are actually benefitting from these!