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Best Hitting Drills to Hit to the Opposite Field

GigaBrain scanned 193 comments to find you 91 relevant comments from 10 relevant discussions.
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Hitting opposite field
r/slowpitch • 1
Recently have been in a slump hitting. Probably could use advice for hitting opposite field, I keep pulling the ball.
r/slowpitch • 2
Swing analysis - want to get opposite field hits
r/slowpitch • 3
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Best Hitting Drills to Hit to the Opposite Field

Timing and Contact Point

One of the key aspects of hitting to the opposite field is adjusting your timing and contact point. Many commenters suggest letting the ball travel deeper into the zone before making contact, which allows you to direct it towards the opposite field [1:1][1:7]. This approach involves waiting longer on pitches, especially those on the outer half of the plate [2:6][3:1].

Pitch Selection

Selecting the right pitch is crucial for opposite-field hitting. Focus on pitches that are outside or middle-away, as these are naturally easier to hit to the opposite field [1:6][2:2]. Trying to push an inside pitch can be challenging, so it's better to wait for a pitch that's more conducive to opposite-field hitting [1:8].

Swing Mechanics

Improving swing mechanics can help facilitate opposite-field hitting. Some suggestions include keeping your back elbow in during the swing to generate more whip and lining up your knuckles correctly [3:2]. Swinging "inside-out" is another technique mentioned, where you focus on driving the ball opposite by adjusting your swing path [3:1].

Practice and Repetition

Regular practice and repetition are essential for mastering opposite-field hitting. Engaging in batting practice with a focus on timing adjustments and pitch selection can help develop this skill [2:1]. Recording your swing and analyzing it can also provide insights into areas for improvement [2:5].

Mental Approach

Maintaining a relaxed and confident mental approach is important when trying to hit to the opposite field. Being tense can hinder your ability to adjust your swing and timing effectively [3:2]. It's also beneficial to avoid overthinking and simply focus on swinging the bat [3:3].

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POST SUMMARY • [1]

Summarize

Hitting opposite field

Posted by pipsqueak6942 · in r/slowpitch · 5 months ago
14 upvotes on reddit
12 replies
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ORIGINAL POST

Any veterans have any tips? I’m a pure singles/doubles hitter so advice would be appreciated. Not dead pull but I pull most of the time. How should I work on this?

12 replies
DnA420 · 5 months ago

I love hitting opposite field. I try to think about hitting the ball later in its path and opening up my bat face so that the bat is perpendicular to the first base line (3rd base line if you're a lefty). So instead of contacting the ball in front of the plate, try to make contact as it's over the plate, leading with your hands more to create that angle.

22 upvotes on reddit
harvest3155 · 5 months ago

Best part about this is you don't have to change your stance. A lot of guys will "tell" they are going oppo by being off the plate or standing with their front foot towards right field. This keeps em on their toes

1 upvotes on reddit
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crazyike · 5 months ago

That's more of a baseball outlook, or at least fastball. Lots of slowpitch hitters come off the ground with the front foot anyways and adjust to the ball that way. Someone pointing at right field may pull it away from the plate as they come down, adding power to their pull because it helps rotation (if you time it right).

The truly good hitters you will never know where they are hitting by their stance. Where they hit depends on where the pitch is, not their feet in stance. And because they aren't dragging their bat (leading with their hands more), they hit to off-field with power.

2 upvotes on reddit
GME_Elitist · 5 months ago

Brilliant. I've been a pull hitter most of my life and have had some success last year using all the things you just described. It's really a great tool to have in your arsenal being able to take advantage of different pitches.

4 upvotes on reddit
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Bullets_TML · 5 months ago

Looking for a pitch away is important too. Not that it's impossible to push an inside pitch, but it's much harder

2 upvotes on reddit
pipsqueak6942 · OP · 5 months ago

wow. that’s an awesome tip thanks man

2 upvotes on reddit
OhtaniStanMan · 5 months ago

Think about bunting a ball down the 3rd base line. Now the 1st base line. 

Do you bunt in front of the plate down the 1st base line or do you hit it over the plate? 

Same when you swing.

7 upvotes on reddit
pipsqueak6942 · OP · 5 months ago

that might’ve just saved me

2 upvotes on reddit
9
9ermtb2014 · 5 months ago

Inside out, let the ball travel deep into the zone

10 upvotes on reddit
Jwagner0850 · 5 months ago

Pitch selection (outside) and waiting on the ball. It's mainly about timing.

12 upvotes on reddit
A
Alaskan_geek907 · 5 months ago

Hit the ball as late as possible, wait on it then wait some more.

14 upvotes on reddit
TechPBMike · 5 months ago

this commend made me laugh! LOL

0 upvotes on reddit
See 12 replies
r/slowpitch • [2]

Summarize

Recently have been in a slump hitting. Probably could use advice for hitting opposite field, I keep pulling the ball.

Posted by Indiansfan11 · in r/slowpitch · 6 years ago

I’m open to any advice hitting wise. I’ve hit a couple to the fence or off the fence but not over. Im also looking to boost the batting average too.

2 upvotes on reddit
7 replies
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7 replies
Preastlake · 6 years ago

Everything that everyone already said plus hit the ball where it's pitched. Outside pitch hit away, inside pull, middle go middle away.

I'm an all field guy and i usually try to pick 2 "bitches" (Waterboy reference) that I am aiming for depending on the pitch location.

2 upvotes on reddit
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ericrs22 · 6 years ago

Pulling the ball isn't an issue unless if you feel that's not what you want to do.

I'd say look at your hands, stance and elbows.

Take a small action camera from Amazon and record your next game and go over it. (Recommend the YI Lite)

I had issues myself and I had to see what I was doing and correct that.

3 upvotes on reddit
Indiansfan11 · OP · 6 years ago

I just feel people are gonna pick up on it if I keep on hitting on the same side.

2 upvotes on reddit
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wallybinbaz · 6 years ago

They definitely will.

I think the biggest compliment you can hear in slowpitch is the opposing team yelling "all fields" when you come up to the plate.

As a guy without much power, I'd say don't try to do too much - if you see a pitch on the outer half of the plate, wait an extra split second and go with it. You can try shifting your feet to face more oppo but that gives the defense a clue as to what you're doing.

2 upvotes on reddit
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ericrs22 · 6 years ago

Try and add an internal timer and give it half a second longer to hit and you'll slap it either up the middle or the other way.

Personally I don't feel pulling it is a problem as long as you can place short or deep.

1 upvotes on reddit
T
Taycos · 6 years ago

I'm predominantly a pull hitter but can pretty much hit anywhere. I tend to pick on the 5-6 hole until they start trying to close that gap and will hit opposite field or more up middle. Most of the time I stick with what I know which is pull. Get good at going everywhere on the pull before you start trying to go oppo.

Start doing BP and adjust your timing a bit. Waiting longer will produce the opposite field hits but you'll also need quick hands and adjustment to your stance.

2 upvotes on reddit
HoneyBadgerPanda · 6 years ago

Just need a slump buster.

1 upvotes on reddit
See 7 replies
r/slowpitch • [3]

Summarize

Swing analysis - want to get opposite field hits

Posted by turn_for_do · in r/slowpitch · 1 year ago
post image

I went to a batting cage today for the first time.

Goals: hit more line drives, learn to hit the opposite way.

  • I am a switch hitter so the video cuts halfway to the other side of the plate. Most of the time my hits are either deep drives, or hard hit ground balls. I’m not getting any lines shots to the outfield.
  • It definitely felt a bit weird compared to live slow pitch. For the most part I tried to not swing with 100% force.
  • Majority of my contact in the video here was pulled with some going more central. But I didn’t have any good contact that went the opposite way.
v.redd.it
13 upvotes on reddit
12 replies
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12 replies
Bigs3xywithglasses · 1 year ago

I’d focus on a lot of things before you focus on hitting opposite fields.

Start with lining up your knuckles correctly, ideally lining up your door knocking knuckles.

Keep your back elbow in as you swing through the ball, you will get more whip. Right now you’re basically getting what little rotation you get from your hips, because your arms are too extended before you rotate.

Loosen up, relax. You look VERY tense.

14 upvotes on reddit
turn_for_do · OP · 1 year ago

I just did some searching on the "door knocking knuckles" suggestion, and it seems to be pretty divisive. I just tried lining up my knuckles like that and it felt very odd and my arms end up much closer together. I also did some image searching of major leaguers at the plate (Shohei Ohtani for one) and I didn't see any with the "door knocking knuckles" grip. I'm not going to sit here and say "if they don't do door knocking knuckle grip, why should I" but I am curious as to what makes that a preferred grip for some folks like you are suggesting.

I will agree that I do look pretty tense. I mentioned that swinging in a batting cage felt kinda awkward. I only got 15 balls per token so I swung at pitches I normally wouldn't have for the sake of just getting all my swings in. But it still overall looks more tense than I feel.

-14 upvotes on reddit
le-battleaxe · 1 year ago

Don’t watch what MLB or any baseball players do.

The other added benefit to lining your knuckles up is it allows you to swing further on a level plane before you roll over. This prevents awkward swings where you’re swinging up as you make contact.

13 upvotes on reddit
Bigs3xywithglasses · 1 year ago

MLB players = \ = Slowpitch players. Different swing entirely. Most MLB players line up their opposing 1st and second knuckles, if that makes sense. Your knuckles don’t line up at all, looks like they’re rotated even further past that, which is probably part of why you roll over and hit a lot of ground balls.

9 upvotes on reddit
[deleted] · 1 year ago

Slow pitch is not baseball. This thinking in your response is what will stop you from improving. Realistically what is your batting avg with this swing?

2 upvotes on reddit
Bigs3xywithglasses · 1 year ago

That said, go watch some Ken Van Bogaert videos on YouTube if you want to learn a ton. Or just keep looking at images of Major League Baseball players at the plate. Either way.

4 upvotes on reddit
smyce · 1 year ago

I’ll just say from a pitcher’s perspective, just swing the bat. You aren’t good enough to go oppo and all you’re going to do is line me up, which sucks.

Please. Just swing.

21 upvotes on reddit
Final_Show419 · 1 year ago

You got a glove for a reason, don’t like it hit at you, play catcher. That would be on you if you can tell a guy is trying to go oppo and then give him anything he could hit at you.

-1 upvotes on reddit
[deleted] · 1 year ago

Haha then don’t pitch you baby! Middle shots are apart of the game, get with it or get out homie. You probably play ASA too 🤣

2 upvotes on reddit
A
Alaskan_geek907 · 1 year ago

No real benefit to switch hitting in slowpitch, find your strong side and stick with it.

There are alot of flaws in your swing, grip, the swing path is upwards, my suggestion would be to watch the Hitting with the Nation, OBTV and Swing makeover videos on YouTube and find an experienced/upper level slowpjtch player and learn.

6 upvotes on reddit
bigjoe5275 · 1 year ago

I would just focus on learning how to swing before trying to hit the ball the other way. There's plenty of videos on youtube just make sure you're looking for a video showing how to swing a bat for slow pitch softball. Completely different swing from baseball and fast pitch.

4 upvotes on reddit
oakster18 · 1 year ago

Opposite way come with timing or swinging “inside-out”. Most often you hit to where the ball is thrown: if it’s inside, you’re going to pull it; if it’s down the middle, you hit it up the middle; if it’s outside, you wait a bit longer and drive it the opposite way. Now swinging inside out is kid of tough, I know the other guy said don’t watch what baseball players do but search up Bo Bichette hitting inside out and you’ll see what I’m talking about

5 upvotes on reddit
See 12 replies
r/Homeplate • [4]

Summarize

How do I improve my outfield defense?

Posted by PuzzleFix8 · in r/Homeplate · 1 month ago

17M here. I grew up playing lots of basketball and badminton. After coming to US from China at age 15, a classmate of mine invited me to a baseball game. I fell in love with it. I know all the rules and the superstars. I started playing in a recreational league this year. They put me in right field.

I struggle at defense. I can't seem to track the ball properly. A lot of times, I would end up positioning myself way off the landing spot of the ball. I can run fast but my inability to track greatly hinders.

Are there any tips on how I can improve my ability at tracking? I know everyone says practice and I'm at every practice possible. It seems like everyone else is naturally capable of doing it without much effort. Sometimes the ball is hit very close to me but I end up not realizing it was hit further than I expected. Are there any specific pointers? How do I know if the ball is going to travel far or in? As the season progressed, I improved at being able to decide whether a ball is hit on the left or right side of me. However, I struggle with identifying how far in or outwards I need to move. By the time I realize the ball is far, it's too late. What sorts of drills are the best for me to practice?

8 upvotes on reddit
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7 replies
Rugbypud · 1 month ago

Ironically the hardest hit ball to catch is the line drive hit directly at you because you can't judge speed, distance or get an angle to determine how hard/soft.

If you watch infielders we get around on the ball first so we can read hops from a better angle, read speed and adjust accordingly. We then take the best hope we can (or try to), and move around and through the ball to get our mivement positioned towards first as much as we can.

In the OF its about trajectory so if you see a ball launch straight up and you are playing deep, you are going to be charging hard, line drive at you, you have to read the elevation and how much its rising/dropping to figure out if its going to a hard charge, slow charge, dont move, or drop step and go. I learned a LOT about catching fly balls from simply watching games and watching fly balls to try and guess where it was going and how far.

I make a game of it to myself where while watching a game, as soon as a ball came off the bat, I am trying to call where it was going and how hard or soft. So for example crack of the bat ground ball, in my head I'm thinking hard hit to SS, easy throw slow runner. Fly ball down LF line, ball is dropping, short better hurry throw 2 with fast runner/hitter, crack of the bat, hard hit to OF, CF is playing shallow, drop step and move ball was smashed. Trying to get a read and guess every play makes it so thsy becomes second nature and then yoy are playing, rhe next time someone hits it to you, its automatic, Left center gap, low angle hit hard, take deep route to cut before getting to fence or end of the bat flare, charge hard, dont give up 2.

All this is a way to mentally train, but as others said, reps reps reps of any kid, catching anything (football, tennis ball, soccer ball etc) will teach you how to react and read a fly.

2 upvotes on reddit
diospatriaylibertad · 1 month ago

Have someone hit you fly balls in the air with a tennis racket and a tennis ball. Also there is a frisbee with a hole in the center called an Aerobee that travels some distance and sometimes tails either left or right depending on how it's thrown. Play catch with someone as you try to track it.

2 upvotes on reddit
xxHumanOctopusxx · 1 month ago

Your brain looks for any evidence it can get to give an estimate of where it is going. How the swing looks, where it hits on the barrel, the angle of the barrel, the sound, the direction and velocity of the wind. So, you need to be look the batter as the pitch is coming in is number 1. The second part is the then figuring out the flight path as it comes off the bat. As the ball continues in the air, you need to continue adjusting. 

6 upvotes on reddit
chillinois309 · 1 month ago

Adding to the where it hits the barrel, spin on the ball is definitely another big one.

But you my friend hit the nail on head with this comment

4 upvotes on reddit
E
enunymous · 1 month ago

Reps, reps and more reps... Everyone else's brain has been flowing fly balls since they were much younger. Your brain has only been doing it a couple years, so the subconscious calculations your brain does aren't as good as others

8 upvotes on reddit
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WorthPlease · 1 month ago

Exactly, I was a good outfielder in high school, I had somebody hit fly balls to me almost every day for years.

18 years later I joined a mens team and it was like I had never played outfield in my life. I could not track the flight of the ball at all even though my eyesight is actually better now than it was back then.

Even just a couple sessions of taking fly ball practice it started to come back.

1 upvotes on reddit
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Liljoker30 · 1 month ago

Tracking the ball comes down to reps. It also helps to learn how the ball comes off the bat depending on whether the batter is RH or LH and where in the outfield you are playing. Learning to run properly while chasing a fly ball so it doesn't bounce up and down as you run also helps.

1 upvotes on reddit
See 7 replies
r/volleyball • [5]

Summarize

Good drills for Opposite Hitter?

Posted by hpkeithh · in r/volleyball · 7 years ago

I’ve just started playing volleyball for around 2 months now and I am the only left handed person on my team. Usually when I play with my friends I play MB, but my coach says I should play OPP since I am a left handed player.

I just started playing OPP today and I find it quite fun spiking it from that angle so I would like some workout drills to improve my vert and my spike power. Thanks!!

p.s. I’m 15 and I usually workout around 2-3 times a week.

10 upvotes on reddit
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pineapplepossum · 7 years ago

Some people call this one "Hitting Exhaustion". Basically gather about 4-5 that hits in said position (or just everyone that can hit in that position or needs more practice) and the coach throws high/quick balls to each player until each player hitting must hit 5 (or whatever number you want) clean, downward kills. Everyone else shags balls and feeds to coach. Once a hitter has hit 5 clean balls, they can leave the rotation and the remaining hitters keep hitting. When it gets down to 2-3 hitters, it gets HARD. At this point, you can ask some hitters to come back in and help out their teammates, giving them more time to rest before they hit again.

​

A good one for hitting at different angles: 3 balls to hit for each person. First one, normal set from the setter, whatever you like. Second one, jump to block (don't actually need the ball, just jump as if you were going to block), back pedal and have setter set another ball, your choice of ball. Third ball, start at your usual starting position (3 metre line) and coach throws ball from back court (as if it were an out of system ball, or setter is forced to set from back row because of bad pass, or libero sets).

9 upvotes on reddit
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RuffneckRaven · 7 years ago

I love this drill. We do it in beach, but instead of blocking, we run to the endline and dive/pop up for another ball. Super fun but incredibly exhausting.

1 upvotes on reddit
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MiltownKBs · 7 years ago

I like this! Going to use both next week in practice.

Any advice for getting players to be aggressive and play with a sense of urgency? I dont want to punish with exercise because I dont want them to hate it, but maybe I should? Is there another way?

9 Freshman boys with little experience playing. Almost half the team never played before. Two are the exact opposite of athletes.

2 upvotes on reddit
pineapplepossum · 7 years ago

I don't know all that much about men's volleyball but I do know that guys love to hit. So get it into their heads somehow that in order to hit, they must learn to pass. Passing is the first step to everything. Most players will find it in themselves to put in more effort when they're seeing results, success, or just having a lot of fun. At this age, just having fun is good for now. Do enforce some kind of punishment for sure, like push ups for letting the ball the drop off the block, missing the serve, etc. Focus on things that they control (ie. serve). Honestly, a player's aggressive and competitiveness comes from within and it's a hard thing to teach. If the boys love the sport enough, it'll be much easier to have that fire. Focus on the 2 awkward ones and pinpoint what exactly they might need to get their coordination down. I know for sure I was awkward as all hell until 10th grade.

​

Using a point system drill could help with urgency/aggressiveness. One drill I love, I call "big point small point", split the team onto 2 sides and play against each other. This works best if you have one side with fewer players and the other side with your starters. The starters side will have to earn 8 point and the other 4 (which ever number you choose, just make sure the side with fewer players doesn't need to earn as many points). Randomly choose with side will start first, maybe say something like "who wants the ball?" Each side must win 2 small points to win a big point. The first ball will be the serve and then 2nd will be a free ball to whoever won the first small point. If both teams win a point, it's a wash and no one gets the big point. To get 1 big point, either side must win both small points.

Or it can be easier, and just scrim to x points and loser does some kind of punishment (dive lines, suicides, pushups, burpees, your choice)

​

As for working on your vert, explosive squats and speed skaters do the trick. Speed skaters really help with moving around quickly. Really, just block a ton of balls non stop and you'll learn to pack in some hard glutes.

7 upvotes on reddit
hpkeithh · OP · 7 years ago

Thanks! Are there any workouts I should do on my own when I have freetime?

4 upvotes on reddit
pineapplepossum · 7 years ago

Any kind of plyos are good. Core and mobility exercises are key no matter what position you play. Make sure you do proper stretching and cool down before and after every workout and practice. It really sucks to develop some kind of injury and not be able to play. Invest in a foam roller or hand roller and make sure you don’t skip out on it (I regret not doing this and I’m only 18). Something to keep it mind is moderation! Don’t overdo it and make sure you give yourself ample amount of rest, sleep and good nutrition.

Something my team always did was “think train”. If you imagine yourself doing well, you’ll build a positive mentality and actually do it. Volleyball is as much a mental game as it is physical.

8 upvotes on reddit
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r/slowpitch • [6]

Summarize

Fielding Help

Posted by IndicationRound9501 · in r/slowpitch · 2 months ago

Hey y’all, I can clean up my hitting pretty easily by just hitting the cages, but I’m kinda stuck when it comes to fielding and throwing. How do you guys practice that stuff on your own or with limited space? Mainly trying to make sure my throws are accurate and my glove work stays solid. Any tips?

9 upvotes on reddit
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Ramblin_Nat · 2 months ago

I just bought a 3x3 rebounder to practice ground balls. Pretty fun and you can change the angle for grounders, liners, and fly balls.

2 upvotes on reddit
Mywordispoontang101 · 2 months ago

Fielding is position dependent. If you're an outfielder, someone will need to chuck you balls from distance. For infield, the lacrosse ball and wall works fine. For throwing, you just need a target to aim at. I think for throwing, a lot of accuracy issues come from lazy technique. If you keep your vision on target and your body follows through on your throw, you will put it where you want. Overexaggerate your motions for a while until you feel you're making progress, then just remember to keep your techique.

3 upvotes on reddit
Corrr · 2 months ago

I use a PowerNet and just throw into it. I was struggling making the throws to 1st from P since they're kinda awkward. I switched to a side-arm position and put all the balls on the ground, and pick them up as if I'm fielding them and then throw em over and try to hit dead center.

What also really helps is simulated pressure, like if you can try to throw between two objects you're trying not to hit. It really really helps with that.

2 upvotes on reddit
IndicationRound9501 · OP · 2 months ago

Great idea!

2 upvotes on reddit
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keepitcleanforwork · 2 months ago

Get a lacrosse ball and throw it against a tennis wall.

4 upvotes on reddit
IndicationRound9501 · OP · 2 months ago

Just curious why a lacrosse ball and not a tennis ball?

1 upvotes on reddit
4
403banana · 2 months ago

Weight and bounciness. Lacrosse balls are crazy dense and can give some pretty stiff bounces

3 upvotes on reddit
K
keepitcleanforwork · 2 months ago

You can throw it harder.

1 upvotes on reddit
DaRealdeal00 · 2 months ago

I just throw the ball at the pitcher protection net to practice ground balls. It has some bounce to all me to field grounders. As for throwing , I have a bucket of my balls, I just set up my net I use for BP and throw the whole bucket. I simulate fly ball and ground ball situations . Once im done with the bucket, go to the nets pouch, fill the bucket back up, and repeat!

3 upvotes on reddit
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r/slowpitch • [7]

Summarize

Any tips on how to become a better outfielder?

Posted by Witnesses5488- · in r/slowpitch · 1 month ago

I’m a guy that plays in a coed rec league. Been playing for 3-4 years now. I’m a pretty solid hitter, and probably average defensively. I’ve played infield for most of my time, typically first and second base. I’ve recently tried outfield so I can be more versatile for my team. For some reason I have hard time reading the ball. If it’s hit right to me I can generally catch it. But high fly balls, or ones hit hard, I tend to misjudge them. Sometimes I’ll get to the area, then it’ll speed up on me, hit my glove and I’ll drop it. Sometimes it’ll seem like it’s coming to me and then it’ll go over my head. Any tips on getting better at that?

15 upvotes on reddit
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TechPBMike · 1 month ago

REALLY focus hard on the batter, and how the batter hits the ball

If you just find the ball when it’s already in the air, and you never watched it come off the bat, you have put yourself in a very serious disadvantage 

Backspin or top spin can be the difference between the ball hitting the fence or barely crossing the ladies line

Really focus on how the batter swings the bat. If they swing down, the ball is going to have backspin and float deep into the outfield

If they swing up, it’s usually going to have topspin and drop short 

Really focus and see the swing path, and see where they hit the ball

Swing up + hit top of ball = topspin dropping short

Swing up + hit bottom of ball = high pop fly landing just past the infield 

Swing down + hit bottom of ball = backspin and it’s going to travel deep, usually a home run swing

Swing down + hit top of ball = grounder with top spin 

Golf swing + side of ball = ball is going to slice around the base and down into the fence 

That’s what I do and it works great for me in the outfield 

10 upvotes on reddit
Haku510 · 1 month ago

In addition to the other tips here, make sure you and the other outfielders are communicating. The outfielder next to you will have a better angle to tell if a ball hit at you is going deep or short of where you are.

After primarily being an infielder, I started playing OF this spring. Having the guy next to me yelling "back back back!" or "short short short!" when a ball is hit to me has helped me out a ton on getting to balls that I didn't have a good read on myself.

And be sure to make the same calls for your teammates to help them out reading fly balls as well.

18 upvotes on reddit
skimpersons · 1 month ago

This is the best advice. Communication in the outfield is extremely helpful.

6 upvotes on reddit
ZiLBeRTRoN · 1 month ago

This is huge! I’ve been playing rec ball for years and have no problem catching balls, just a hard time judging the correct angle. We have a much better guy that joined our summer team that doesn’t have playoffs so we all try to play positions we aren’t good at for experience since it’s just for fun. He will yell “deep” or “shallow” to other outfielders based on their positioning to the ball and it has helped tremendously. Obviously experience/practice is the best help but just that alone has made us way better in the outfield.

2 upvotes on reddit
Winter-Remove-6244 · 1 month ago

No substitute for experience. Head to your local park and shag balls. Only way to learn how to track it

55 upvotes on reddit
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GrapeRello · 1 month ago

Yep, Ive played infield my whole life. When I occasionally am shagging a fly ball in the outfield I’m always reminded of how different it is from a pop up.

5 upvotes on reddit
fakebaggers · 1 month ago

Long time outfielder here. The first 2 games of every season i have a hard time getting a bead on the ball, then it all starts to click. Shag balls. Lots of them.

2 upvotes on reddit
rjd999 · 1 month ago

Absolutely. Getting a read on a ball, particularly one hit directly at you where you are unsure (initially) if it will be long or short, requires a lot of iterations before you become good at reacting in time. It doesn't happen instinctively, or it didn't for me. One day, I was able to do it easily and I have no idea what changed between that time and the previous one. I just turned and ran where the ball would be without any hesitation.

One observation is that it is seldom that anyone goes back on a ball and it falls in front of them. Even so, starting to go back on a ball is always safer than allowing a ball to go over your head. Ignore the hesitation and, if in doubt, go back - it is probably going to land behind you.

6 upvotes on reddit
Ol_Gristle · 1 month ago

Shagging balls in the park is crazy if you’re British.

3 upvotes on reddit
ComprehensiveLynx390 · 1 month ago

This is the only way to do it.

6 upvotes on reddit
R
RegularOrMenthol · 1 month ago

Always take a few steps back first and come in if need be, not the other way around.

Try and watch the ball coming off the bat. Read the batter’s stance, gauge his/her size a little. Keep track of batters and where they’ve hit before.

Like all others are saying tho, practice is really the only way.

11 upvotes on reddit
xxcoopdoggxx · 1 month ago

First move is always back! Any BP you can field for will help for sure

12 upvotes on reddit
See 12 replies
r/Homeplate • [8]

Summarize

Our new catcher drill, they love it

Posted by erick31 · in r/Homeplate · 6 months ago

All 3 boys went through about 15 times each. Fantastic workout.

  • one-hop grab and tag
  • block
  • receive from a VERY short distance
  • receive and throw

Lots of work to do but it’s our second run with it and they are already feeling great with the progress!

Highly recommended.

v.redd.it
102 upvotes on reddit
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8 replies
Person0249 · 6 months ago

I’m a proponent of OKD so don’t get me wrong but I’m surprised to see kids this young blocking and throwing from the position.

In a vacuum it’s feels like the right thing to do bc that’s eventually what they’ll do but at that age the pitchers are still spiking too many and I’d prefer a standard active position, especially w/ a runner on third.

Are you just turning them into pick monsters or do they switch up to standard active at times?

Great drill. Looks like a blast.

EDIT: Midland, MI?

1 upvotes on reddit
erick31 · OP · 6 months ago

Also, just curious.. what age group do you think this is?

0 upvotes on reddit
erick31 · OP · 6 months ago

He does both knees and regular position as well.. this particular run was this. It very much depends.. you’ll notice on the throw position, he moves his foot forward to get in to throwing position. This was taught to him from his catching coach and retired veteran MLB-er.. a work in progress and it’s looking more comfortable these days. and nope, we’re in TN! But I believe Midland is all over. An absolute blast.. he begs me to do this ha

1 upvotes on reddit
siciliansanddeath · 6 months ago

Saving this one for the spring. Great drill!

1 upvotes on reddit
T
Thare187 · 6 months ago

I played summer ball in Cincinnati in the mid 90s. Midland used to kick the crap out of us every time we played them

1 upvotes on reddit
SierraVR6 · 6 months ago

This looks like a ton of fun! I’ll run this with my kiddo tonight!

1 upvotes on reddit
erick31 · OP · 6 months ago

How’d it go?

1 upvotes on reddit
QC_Pee · 6 months ago

I like this one!! Very nice!

1 upvotes on reddit
See 8 replies
r/Softball • [9]

Summarize

I need catching drill ideas

Posted by Big-Yogurtcloset-955 · in r/Softball · 25 days ago

Does anyone know some good catching drills that I can use to help block ground balls better? They always seem to just hit me and fly upwards.

7 upvotes on reddit
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8 replies
Few-Race-8527 · 22 days ago

Catching made simple. Tons of drills for free on YouTube/Instagram/TikTok. He also has a blocking made simple course specifically for blocking if you’re willing to pay $100.

2 upvotes on reddit
eyehatehead · 25 days ago

My daughter struggled blocking the ball. We watched some hockey and I showed her about the 5 hole. I took her glove and had her block balls. She is great at it now. We are currently working on that arm strength though. She still struggles getting the ball to 2nd quick. Edit: nevermind my brain read catcher in there somewhere.

1 upvotes on reddit
E
EamusAndy · 25 days ago

If the grounders are flying up, your glove isnt at the right angle. Think of a ramp. If a ball comes flying at a ramp, its gonna roll up and fly in the air. If your glove isnt at the right angle to field a grounder, youre creating a ramp for the ball to jump off of.

The way i teach it is take the top of your web, and stick it right into the dirt. You dont want the ball to be able to roll up your glove - but roll INTO your glove.

If the top of your web isnt dirty, do it again

2 upvotes on reddit
E
EamusAndy · 25 days ago

Also remember - You should be fielding it pretty much in the middle of your body, and dont forget the alligators.

1 upvotes on reddit
BluddyisBuddy · 25 days ago

I’m pretty sure they’re asking about blocking drills specific to the catchers position. 

2 upvotes on reddit
E
EamusAndy · 25 days ago

Just assumed since they said “ground balls” thats what they meant.

But i guess my main idea remains the same. Dont create a ramp, create a wall.

1 upvotes on reddit
Painful_Hangnail · 25 days ago

I don't have a specific drill, but you need to angle your body forward so when the ball hits your pads it gets directed into the ground rather than up.

2 upvotes on reddit
Ok-Answer-6951 · 25 days ago

Your shoulders have to be in front of your hips so your chest is deflecting them down, not up.

1 upvotes on reddit
See 8 replies
r/MLBTheShow • [10]

Summarize

Directional hitting/ how to hit it on the opposite side of the field?

Posted by Str8cash89 · in r/MLBTheShow · 2 years ago

Based on my understanding of baseball as a kid, I wanted to verify something. I definitely pull the ball more than most but aren’t you only supposed to pull inside pitches? And then push/hit oppo outside pitches? I use directional hitting (analog) and for outside pitches, should I be pushing the left stick away and try to hit it oppo? I read online that one of the Dev’s explained more about directional hitting, where you really shouldn’t be guessing and it’ll do more harm than good. (For example, if you try and push an inside pitch. You much less likely to hit a good hit on the ball, compared to doing nothing at all. I guess I’m wondering if I should just leave the directional stick alone/only use it when I’m ahead in the count? And is my thought process correct, where you should be trying to hit outside pitches to the opposite side? Thanks

2 upvotes on reddit
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10 replies
IDunnoAName8 · 2 years ago

Honestly hate you directional guys. When yall get legit with it, you're almost impossible to stop. Theres a huge advantage over every other hitting option

-1 upvotes on reddit
Str8cash89 · OP · 2 years ago

^ 😂😂 it’s funny you say that; because I just started using directional and what I’ve read is that zone hitting has all the advantages. Only if you do it correctly tho. Zone hitting allows you much more control and getting good contact on pitches on the corner of the plate. However I will say that that by moving the directional stick to the correct spot will have a positive influence with your contact, albeit less of an impact compared to using zone. With directional hitting you are subject to RNG and based on your batters skills/attributes. You can have a perfect swing but if you totally miss with your PCI, it’ll still be a weak hit.

Like I said, I prefer zone hitting because it allows me to focus more on strike zone, rather than aiming the PCI correctly. Most of the time, I don’t even touch the directional stick. I only try and influence the direction when I’m up in the count or atleast even.

3 upvotes on reddit
H
Hellfire77 · 2 years ago

Play how you want and don’t let anyone tell you different. I didn’t get into this series until last year and started directional last year and moved to zone this year. Zone is just more fun and there are advantages like you mentioning of hitting stuff on the corners. I have even hit plenty of home runs with the ball outside the strike zone with zone. Directional is easier in a sense that you don’t have to aim but it’s part of that high risk/high reward that pays off with zone.

When I did directional I would always aim up because in my mind if I aim up, then I have a better chance to hit a HR. I would get a lot of HRs but not sure if aiming up has to do anything with it. Then there were times I would try to get hits. So if I batted right and want it to go right then I aim and push right and the ball goes that way most of the time.

I never had change direction to help with pitches. It’s pretty much, pick a direction and leave it alone. You just have to worry about timing and if its in the zone.

2 upvotes on reddit
IDunnoAName8 · 2 years ago

Zones easier to master tbf. Directional much harder to get right. Been playing this game for years. Online Leagues used to outlaw directional bc players that mastered Directional were almost unbeatable.

Fwiw Usually you can tell if an Online opponent is using Directional if they mash Fastballs perfectly timed but are completely shit with anything offspeed. Its harder to tell as this game has evolved tho.

1 upvotes on reddit
ZMiltonS · 2 years ago

So use it

1 upvotes on reddit
sourdougBorough · 2 years ago

Directional hitting is not good. You can do everything right and still get shit results

-3 upvotes on reddit
Str8cash89 · OP · 2 years ago

I know most people prefer the zone hitting but I’m constantly chasing balls outside of the zone and worry too much on the PCI. I only play franchise/rtts and I’ve noticed for me that when I use directional hitting, I can focus more on swing at good pitches rather than thinking I can just move my pci out of the strike zone and hit everything…

4 upvotes on reddit
NurseBill14 · 2 years ago

Fellow directional user, you are correct. It has been my experience that if you push outside and pull inside, you’ll get better results.

It feels like if a pitch is even an inch outside of middle of the plate, the game penalizes pull attempts.

However, I’ve noticed that the game seems to reward high/low inversely that you expect. If I’m holding high/in, and get a low/in fastball— adios, pelota. If I’m holding high in and get a high/in fastball— pop up to the corner infielder.

Again, this is generalization based on my observations.

4 upvotes on reddit
Str8cash89 · OP · 2 years ago

Thanks for your input and verifying what I thought was correct. With respect to your 2nd comment there, are you saying that for a ball low in the strike zone, you want to aim the left stick high? I was under the impression that if you got a ball across the letters/high in the strike zone, you want to aim up and it will hit it out. Do you use the analog or button for your swing? I'm using analog, where I use the left stick for directional hitting and then the right stick determines swing type? (up is a normal swing, left/right is a contact swing, and down/up is a power swing). After messing up a bunch on guessing the direction, I started to "guess" the location of the pitch as inside everytime and then I only move the left stick (directional input) when i guess correct and it lights up. (or sometimes I "guess" the opposite direction, so if it doesn't light up I can ignore that side of the plate.)

1 upvotes on reddit
BFG-Wrestler · 2 years ago

You might be right about moving the left stick. I mainly use zone, but use directional in moments a lot. Sometimes I will use it in the online modes when I am playing terrible. I aim up and inside for every batter. I have definitely noticed that inside pitches are the majority of my home runs when I do this. Probably a touch on the early side is best. Anything above rookie I feel like I lay off outside pitches more, even if in the strike zone because I tend to pop them up or hit a weak grounder.

2 upvotes on reddit
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Related

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AI Answer

🤖

Best hitting drills to hit to the opposite field

Key Considerations for Hitting Drills to the Opposite Field

  1. Stance and Setup: Ensure your stance is balanced and open slightly towards the opposite field. This helps you focus on driving the ball the other way.

  2. Focus on Timing: Work on your timing to ensure you’re making contact with the ball later in the hitting zone, which is crucial for hitting to the opposite field.

  3. Use of the Whole Field: Encourage a mindset of using the entire field during practice. Visualize where you want the ball to go.

  4. Bat Angle: Maintain a level bat path to help drive the ball rather than lifting it, which can lead to pull-hitting.

Recommended Drills:

  1. Opposite Field Tee Drill:

    • Set up a tee on the outside part of the plate.
    • Focus on hitting the ball to the opposite field.
    • Emphasize a level swing and follow-through towards the opposite field.
  2. Soft Toss Drill:

    • Have a partner toss balls from the side, targeting the outside part of the plate.
    • Concentrate on driving the ball to the opposite field.
  3. Live Pitching Drill:

    • During batting practice, have a coach or teammate pitch to you, focusing on outside pitches.
    • Aim to hit these pitches to the opposite field.
  4. One-Handed Drills:

    • Practice hitting with your bottom hand only to develop control and focus on the direction of your swing.
    • This helps reinforce the mechanics of hitting the ball to the opposite field.
  5. Opposite Field Game Simulation:

    • In a practice game, set a goal to hit a certain number of balls to the opposite field.
    • This adds a competitive element and reinforces the focus on hitting the ball the other way.

Takeaway: Consistency and practice are key. Incorporate these drills regularly to develop the muscle memory needed to hit effectively to the opposite field.

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