Fastpitch Softball Hitting
Fastpitch hitting is its own skill. The pitcher is 35 to 43 feet away, the ball rises, drops and changes speed, and the hitter has less time than a baseball hitter facing much faster pitching. This guide pulls together everything AHD teaches fastpitch hitters.
By BK · 52 years playing, coaching and scouting · Updated October 13, 2026
The fastpitch swing
The softball swing shares the same principles as baseball: an athletic setup, a forward move that lands on time, a sequence from the ground up and a barrel that stays in the zone. What changes is time, pitch plane and the pitches themselves. Read Softball vs Baseball Swing: What Changes?, then How to Hit a Softball and the softball batting stance.
Timing a fast pitcher
Most fastpitch hitters who struggle with speed start too late. Start early, go slow and be ready to fire. Use the Softball Pitch Speed Calculator to see how much time a hitter really has, then read How to Time a Fastpitch Pitcher and How to Hit Fast Pitching.
How to hit every fastpitch pitch
- Riseball: set your eyes at the top of the zone and lay off what starts there. Hitting the rise ball · Riseball Lay-Off Trainer.
- Dropball: stay on plane and don’t chase the one that starts at the knees. Hitting the drop ball.
- Changeup: read the slow spin and stay back. Hitting the changeup.
- Curve and screwball: read the side spin early. Hitting the curveball.
Train every read with the free Softball Pitch Recognition Trainer and the Spin Read Test.
Slapping, bunting and the short game
Speed on the left side is a weapon. Learn slapping basics, decide whether to slap or hit away, practice the timing with the Slap Hitting Timing Trainer, and learn sacrifice, drag and push bunts.
Two strikes, strength and power
Hitters win with two strikes by protecting the zone without giving up the swing. Softball two-strike approach. For more pop, build strength and bat speed: softball strength training, the softball bat speed test and how to hit a softball farther.
Free tools for this
The complete fastpitch softball hitting library
Every AHD guide on this topic, grouped so you can start where you need it.
Swing & setup
How to Hit a Softball: A Step-by-Step Guide for Fastpitch HittersHow to hit a softball, step by step: stance, load and timing to the windmill, seeing the ball, swing path, contact and finish for fastpitch hitters 10–18.
Softball Batting Stance: The Setup That Lets Her MoveSoftball batting stance basics: width, weight, knees, hands and bat angle, where to stand in the box vs rise, drop and speed, and the mistakes to fix.
Softball vs Baseball Swing: What’s the Same and What ChangesSoftball vs baseball swing: the principles that stay the same, and what changes with a 43-foot distance, a low release, rise and drop, and the slap game.
Softball Bat Size Chart: Fastpitch Bat Length, Weight and Drop by AgeSoftball bat size chart for fastpitch: length, weight and drop by age, 3 at-home fit tests, and why a bat that’s too heavy hurts her swing.
Timing & pitch recognition
How to Time a Fastpitch Pitcher: Softball Hitting Timing Made SimpleHow to time a fastpitch pitcher: when to start the load off the windmill, how to be on time for the fastball, adjust to the change, and rhythm drills.
How to Hit Fast Pitching in Softball (60+ MPH)How to hit fast pitching in softball: start earlier, shorten the move, hunt one zone, train safely at short distance and win the mental side vs 60+ mph.
How to Hit a Rise Ball in Fastpitch SoftballHow to hit a rise ball in fastpitch softball: lay off the one above your hands, set your eyes at the top of the zone, read spin early, plus drills.
How to Hit a Drop Ball in Fastpitch SoftballHow to hit a drop ball in fastpitch softball: stay through the ball, match its plane, lay off the drop below the knees early in counts, plus 4 drills.
How to Hit a Changeup in Fastpitch SoftballHow to hit a changeup in softball: read the release, stay back with the hands, use the middle of the field and train pitch recognition daily.
How to Hit a Curveball in Softball (and the Screwball)How to hit a curveball in softball: how the curve and screwball break, reading spin, where to stand, going oppo on the curve and a screwball plan.
Train the Eyes Without SwingingPerceptual training for softball hitters: a study found pitch-reading reps with no swings improved speed recognition and swing timing.
Short game & approach
Softball Slapping Basics: How to Slap (Soft Slap vs Hard Slap)Softball slapping basics: who should learn to slap, the footwork, soft slap vs hard slap, the batter’s box rule and drills for slap hitting beginners.
Should My Daughter Slap or Hit Away? A Parent’s Decision GuideShould my daughter slap or hit away? A fastpitch coach’s guide to slap hitting vs swinging away: speed, handedness, age, commitment and team needs.
How to Bunt in Softball: Sacrifice, Drag, Push and SqueezeHow to bunt in softball: the grip, pivot vs square, bat angle, where to aim, and the sacrifice, drag, push and squeeze bunts every fastpitch hitter needs.
Softball Two Strike Approach: How to Hit With Two StrikesA softball two strike approach that works: widen the zone a little, shorten up, expect her out pitch and foul off the tough ones. A fastpitch coach’s plan.
Strength & practice
Softball Strength Training for Hitters: What to Train, by Age and SeasonSoftball strength training for hitters: what to train for bat speed, how it changes by age, in-season vs off-season weeks, and how to keep it safe.
The Softball Bat Speed ProfileSoftball bat speed test: profile speed across 2–3 bat weights with a swing sensor. A Division I study found it reliable and linked to game stats.
How to Hit a Softball Farther (and Harder): A Fastpitch Power GuideHow to hit a softball farther: power comes from bat speed, contact quality and launch. What to train, what to fix first, and why drills alone won’t add it.
Softball Hitting Drills at Home (No Cage Needed)Softball hitting drills at home with no cage: 9 small-space drills, a 20-minute session plan, how to film it, and how to keep it fun for your hitter.
Train it start to finish
Complete Hitter Masterclass. The full AHD system for baseball and fastpitch hitters: swing, athlete, Hitting Processor and mental approach. Lessons 1–3 free.
Want a coach? See remote coaching, Scottsdale lessons or camps & clinics.
Questions
Is a softball swing different from a baseball swing?
The principles are the same, but fastpitch hitters have less time, face a ball that can rise, and see different pitches. Timing starts earlier and the swing has to match a different pitch plane.
How do you hit a riseball?
Set your eyes at the top of the strike zone and lay off pitches that start at or above it, because they will finish higher. Hunt the pitch below your hands until two strikes.
How do I hit faster pitching in softball?
Start your timing earlier, keep the move simple and train pitch recognition so you decide sooner. Practice against speed that matches what you face in games.
Should my daughter slap or hit away?
It depends on her speed, size and what the team needs. Many slappers can also hit away. AHD’s parent guide walks through how to decide.
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