Posted by: Phil () on Wed Feb 26 06:03:14 2003

I need help on hitting that outside fastball on the black hard the other way. Everyone is always talking about the power "L" but that is only on pitches middle-in. What about that hard fast ball at the knees on the black. How do you reach that pitch with still having the torch and power to hit it hard down the line. Someone please help me!!
> > > >
> > > > Just sort of inside-out the ball and let the ball get way in.
> > >
> > > First examine the logic of NECESSARILY wanting to hit it the other way down the line.
> > >
> > > Mark H.
> >
> >
> > "What about that hard fast ball at the knees on the black". Where else would you hit it FAIR? Of course, being content with fouling it off might be preferable, but assuming you hit it FAIR, hitting it down the line would be more logical than trying to pull the ball up the middle.
> >
> > You would have to start by putting yourself in a good position to hit this pitch. I would say that you would need to step in the direction of the pitch after you have recognized it and then swing. You will not be able to hit this ball with an open or even stance you will want to close it up...I used to always stand open when I wanted this pitch and bait the pitcher into throwing it there,then step to the closed position and hit it...
>
> Coach Pack

I'm quickly becoming disenchanted with this site. Don't you people know that although many discerning parents can seperate fact from fiction, there are also KIDS who visit this site?
First someone questions the logic of hitting a low, outside pitch the other way, then someone comes along and suggests that a hitter actually has time to recognize the pitch and stride in the direction of the pitch!!! For your information, Coach Pack, unless you are coaching slow-pitch softball, the stride foot has already landed BEFORE pitch recognition. If the hitter waits until pitch is recognized to decide stride direction, the ball will already be in the catcher's glove!!