Posted by: larry briody (ljbriody1@aol.com) on Sun Nov 30 17:14:13 2003

I have learned that top hand torque does two things; adds more speed and enables you to hit any pitch in or out. However do you have to think use top hand torque then bottom because I found it easier to just keep the elbow up and the bottom hand torque will drive top hand torque without emphasizing the pull of the top hand. Also to hit the outside pitch can I just keep my back elbow in and just do everything the same and swing towards the ball?
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> > > It's the same as the inside swing, where you keep the hands inside (closer to body), but you cast ot a little bit and halt the hip/shoulder rotation to enable the hands to reach the outside corner.
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> > are you saying a hitter should CONSCIOUSLY halt the hip/shoulder rotation?...
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> -----Hitting an outside pitch with rotational mechanics is the most difficult location to handle. Especially if you are a girl -- shorter hands, harder to get the plate coverage and the umpires in softball feel obligated to give an extra 6-8 inches off of the plate.
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> I have not found a way that consisently allows me to hit the outside pitch with power using rotational mechanics. Probably because I do not have enough upper body strength. The bathead usually dips/drops a little bit when I increase the swing radius and slot the rear elbow further from my torso. With less power, pop-ups the opposite way usually does not result in production.
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> I believe that you have to be looking OUT and you got to cheat a little bit -- guess right. Most girls are scared to cheat because then they will get hit if the pitcher comes hard and in.
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> OUTSIDE is a hard pitch for me -- if anybody has any better ideas for a girl, fastpitch softball player with short arms and weak upper body I would love to hear them. ------------ >Where is your contact point on these outside pitches?