| How to Hit the Ball Properly in Softball Posted: 13 Oct 2021 01:00 AM PDT If you want to get on base and score runs more often when you play softball, working on your batting skills can go a long way. Even though it may seem like you should just try to swing for the fences, there are a lot of little techniques that help you improve your fundamentals. We'll walk you through the entire batting process so you can hit the ball with the most accuracy and power! - Hold the bat in a loose grip with your fingers for the most control. When you grab onto the bat's handle, position your non-dominant hand so it's no more than 2–3 finger-widths from the end of the handle. Put your dominant hand right above your non-dominant hand so your second set of knuckles make a straight line. Keep your grip a little loose near the base of your fingers rather than in your palm, or else you'll tense your forearms and won't have a powerful swing.[1]
- Try setting your bat on your shoulder and relax your elbows to help get your hands into position.[2]
- Avoid gripping the bat any higher on the handle since you won't get as much power out of your swing.
- Square up to the plate so you can reach pitches on the outside corners. Step into the batter's box next to the plate so your non-dominant shoulder points toward the pitcher. Spread your feet out slightly wider than your hips so your toes are parallel to the plate. Balance your weight on the balls of your feet evenly. Bend your knees and ankles a little bit to get into a ready position. Keep your spine straight, but hinge forward at the hips so you're slightly leaning over home plate.[3]
- Reach your bat across home plate and see if you can touch the front corner on the other side of home base. If you can't easily reach it, move closer to the base until you can.
- You can position your feet slightly wider or narrower depending on what feels the most comfortable for you.
- While most coaches recommend starting in a square stance, you can also move your front foot further away from the plate to open up and see the ball better. You can also use a closed stance with your front foot closer to the plate. It all depends on what you prefer and feels the most comfortable.
[Edit]Bat position - Keep your elbows down and your arms bent as you start your stance. Rest your bat on your back shoulder and relax your elbows so you don't have any tension. Try to make a triangle or A-shape with your forearms to ensure you're positioning the bat correctly. Then, lift your arms straight up until your hands are at ear-level and your front elbow makes a 90-degree angle. Then, tilt your bat up so it's at a 45-degree angle to the ground. Be sure to keep your front shoulder relaxed and pointed toward the pitcher.[4]
- Avoid lifting your back elbow up higher than your front elbow because it will throw you off balance while you're swinging.
[Edit]Head position - Look directly at the pitcher so you can follow the ball easier. Turn your head directly toward the pitcher so you can watch them with both eyes. It might be tempting to recheck your grip or look at the bases, but only focus on the pitcher so you can prepare for the ball. That way, it's easier to follow the ball and predict where it will land in the strike zone.[5]
- Shift your weight to your back foot as the pitcher releases the ball. As soon as the pitcher finishes their wind-up and lets go of the ball, put all of your weight on your back leg since that's where most of your power comes from.[6] Keep your back foot firmly planted on the ground and bend your knee a little more to get even more power from your swing.[7]
- Don't swing the bat just yet. Since you're shifting your weight backward, trying to move the bat forward will make you feel off-balanced.
- Step forward with your front foot to swing the bat faster. Right as you load your weight onto your back foot, lift your front foot off of the ground. Then, plant the ball of your front foot back on the ground so your toes point slightly forward. Some people barely lift their toes off the ground while others take a larger step forward. It all depends on what feels best for you, so try out a few swings to see what works out.[8]
- You may also hear this called a "toe tap."
- This movement helps start up your forward momentum so you can swing faster and get the most power from your hit.
- Lead your swing with your hands so the bat snaps forward quicker. Lift your back heel and pivot your foot so the toes point forward throughout your swing. Turn your hips toward the ball so you get more power. Point your front elbow toward the pitcher and swing your arms over home plate until the bat points straight back at the catcher.[9] At this point, your dominant hand, elbow, and back thigh will all line up.[10]
- Keep your head completely still while you're swinging. If you look up or away from where you're swinging, then you may miss or won't make good contact with the ball.
- Dropping your back shoulder so it's lower than your front shoulder can make it easier to swing.[11]
[Edit]Contact - Hit the ball so your bat is parallel with your shoulder. Try to make contact with the ball just in front of home plate so the path of your swing is parallel to the tops of your shoulders.[12] Leave a slight bend in your elbows so your arms aren't fully extended, or else you won't get as much power from your hit.[13]
- Keep your hands ahead of the bat, or else you'll hit the pitch wide and won't have as much control.
[Edit]Extension - Point the bat toward the pitcher to prolong contact with the ball. Your ball will go further the longer you make contact with the bat. Fully straighten your arms and quickly rotate your wrists in the direction of your swing so the bat whips forward and points back toward the pitcher. If you leave your arms fully extended, you'll most likely hit ground balls or make bad contact with the ball.[14]
[Edit]Follow-through - Swing the bat up behind your head to put the most power in your swing. Do not stop putting your strength into your swing when you contact the ball.[15] Instead, bring your arms across the front of your body and swing the bat behind you. Try to avoid slapping your back with your bat since it could lead to a weaker hit.[16]
- Some players let go of the bat with their back hand at the end of the follow-through. It all depends on what feels best for you.[17]
- Complete your swing, extension, and follow-through all in one fluid motion to ensure you hit the ball the furthest and hardest you can.
[Edit]Strike zone - Only swing at balls that cross over home plate within the zone. In fast-pitch softball, the strike zone is the area directly over home plate between your armpits and the tops of your knees. If you play slow-pitch, then the strike zone is still right over home plate, but in the area between the top of your back shoulder and your front knee. Avoid swinging at any pitch thrown outside the strike zone since it'll be called a ball.[18]
- The size of the strike zone may slightly vary depending on the umpire calling the game. Pay attention to what they've called balls and strikes so you can get an idea of where the zone is.
- If you're on deck and next to bat during a game, watch the pitcher and practice swinging as they throw so you can work on your timing.[19]
- Practice your swings as much as you can so you can keep making improvements.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Get over the Awkward Stage in a Relationship Posted: 12 Oct 2021 05:00 PM PDT The early stages of a relationship are super exciting, but they can also be a little awkward. You're still getting to know the person, so that means unexpected surprises and some awkward firsts. These things don't have to be negative, though, and they can even be opportunities to get closer. Here are some tips for navigating this mildly uncomfortable but totally normal stage of building a relationship. [Edit]Be your authentic self. - It can be tempting to pretend to be someone you're not in this stage. Though you of course want to make your new partner like you, the best way to do that is to ultimately be yourself.[1] Relax and be open about your passions, interests, and hobbies in life (even if you worry about what they'll think of them). Dating someone new involves discovering each other's unique quirks.[2]
- If you're comfortable being yourself, the person you're seeing will start to feel more comfortable as well.
- Make sure you don't hide parts of yourself out of insecurity or fear your partner won't like it.
[Edit]Get comfortable with physical touch. - Things like cuddling and holding hands can bring you closer. A study conducted by Oxford University's Department of Experimental Psychology found that physical touch is a huge component to building trust and connection in a relationship.[3] Hug your partner when you greet them on a date, give them a kiss on the cheek, and even just give them an affectionate touch on the shoulder. It'll help you get past the awkwardness in no time.
- If PDA isn't your thing or you need some time before you feel like being physically affectionate, that's totally alright. There are so many ways to get closer to a new partner. Only do what makes you feel comfortable.
[Edit]Make time for intimacy. - Even if you have great chemistry, sex can be a little awkward in this stage. Talk to your partner about what you like, and ask them about their desires, too. Bring up things like contraception and STI testing to make sure that you're practicing safe sex. Try new things as you get to know each other, and take things at a pace that makes you both comfortable.[4]
- If you're worried about being vulnerable, bring up the subject when you're not currently getting intimate. This can help take the pressure off and make you feel a little more comfortable.
[Edit]Stay focused on your interests outside of the relationship. - This helps you avoid putting too much pressure on the relationship. Keep up with your hobbies and remain invested in your passions, like your work or the classes you love. Don't change your interests to accommodate your partner or cancel plans to spend all your time with them.[5]
- Only focusing on the relationship early on can make it fizzle out fast. If you want your relationship to make it past the awkward stage, make sure you've got a life outside of it.[6]
- Keep making plans with your friends and family, too.
[Edit]Define the relationship when you're ready. - The amount of time before this discussion varies among couples. Wait at least a few weeks to figure out what you want. If after some time you realize you want a serious relationship, share that with your partner and ask what they want, too. Before committing to a serious relationship, talk about your values, life goals, and definitions of monogamy (or non-monogamy) so that you both understand where the other is coming from. [7]
- Be direct and say something like, "I've really enjoyed getting to spend time with you the past few months. I'd love to see where this goes on a more serious level."
- You could also ask what they want. Try something like, "I like you and could see this really going somewhere. What are you looking for in a relationship?
[Edit]Address conflict directly. - Don't hide your feelings or expect them to read your mind. If your partner does something that upsets you or hurts your feelings, tell them how you feel. Give your partner a chance to share their perspective, and try to come up with a mutual solution together. Addressing the first conflict can be uncomfortable, but staying calm and respectful can help you get through it even stronger than before.[8]
- Let's say your partner teased you about something that's important to you. Even if it was a joke, if it offended you, say something. Try, "I know you didn't mean anything by it, but that comment kind of hurt my feelings."
- Your partner may be really sorry and will now know not to tease you. If they don't respond well or continue to do it, think about if you two are a good match.
[Edit]Meet each other's friends and family. - Relax and don't rush this part of the awkward stage. Once you're meeting the parents for the first time, ask your partner some background information, like if they're close with their family or if their parents are divorced, so you feel more prepared.[9] Talk to your partner about your relationship with your family before introducing them. When you hang out with your your partner's friends, try your best to be friendly and relaxed.
- When you meet your partner's parents, dress nice and consider bringing a gift to make a good first impression.
- Ask your partner if they have any fun facts about their family. These can be good conversation starters if you want to get to know their parents better.
- Give your partner's friends and family your full attention. Avoid being on your phone and focusing too much on just your partner when you meet. Ask questions, participate in the conversation, and try to have fun.
[Edit]Ask questions to get to know them better. - Be curious about your new partner's life. Part of the awkwardness is that you are still pretty new to each other. Ask your partner about their life experiences, their interests, and their hopes and dreams.[10] As you start to get to know each other, your questions can get a little deeper. Ask them about their childhood and even their past relationships. Your interest will hopefully be a two-way street, and you'll both get more comfortable in no time.[11]
- If your partner mentions they played soccer growing up, ask them about it. Say something like, "You played soccer through college, right? What did you like about it?"
- You can even have fun with it by asking them questions about philosophy or funny scenarios, like what celebrity they would most like to have dinner with, living or dead.[12]
[Edit]Listen to your partner. - Pay attention when your partner shares new things with you. Moving past the awkward stage involves really getting to know your partner. When they talk to you about their day or open up to you about what's causing them stress, make eye contact, listen to what they have to say, and put your phone down.[13]
- Make sure to listen to what they have to say instead of thinking of what you'll say in response.[14]
[Edit]Make plans regularly. - Quality time is a huge part of getting comfortable with someone. Schedule fun dinner dates. Go see a movie and talk about it over coffee after. Take a long walk through a park. Do fun things together to bring you closer. As this new person starts to feel more familiar, you will relax and feel way less awkward around them.[15]
- Think of things you've both never done. Trying out new things together can bring you closer and give you fun shared experiences.[16] Take a cooking class together or even just pick a new place to grab lunch.
[Edit]Let your guard down. - Getting over the awkward stage requires being vulnerable. Open up to your partner about a bad day and tell them about your experiences in life. As you continue to date and get comfortable, share more intimate details with them. Talk about past relationships, your childhood, and difficult times you've had in the past.[17] Taking this risk feels like a big leap of faith, but being open and honest with your partner is a huge part of getting closer to them.[18]
- It can hurt when you're vulnerable and don't get an affectionate response in return. Try not to let it get you down. Either they aren't ready to bring the relationship to that stage, or the two of you are looking for different things.[19]
- Remember that sharing yourself and being vulnerable is a brave thing to do, and it shows your capacity for love and connection. That's a positive reflection of you no matter how they respond!
[Edit]References |
| How to Manage More than Five Instagram Accounts Posted: 12 Oct 2021 09:00 AM PDT If you're a social media manager or have multiple businesses, you may need to deal with more than 5 Instagram accounts at the same time. In that case, you may have figured out that the Instagram mobile app won't let you add more than five accounts. This wikiHow will show you how to manage and easily switch between more than 5 Instagram accounts by using a third-party service like Hootsuite. - Go to your Hootsuite dashboard and sign in. If you don't have an account with Hootsuite, click Sign Up to be redirected to their pricing page. If you sign up for a Professional account, you can manage up to 10 social media accounts for a free 30-day trial.
- If you need more accounts, you can pay more for a monthly fee.
- Click . It's at the top of your web browser next to a +.
- Click . You'll see it next to the Instagram logo.
- Select if you're adding a personal or business account.
- Click and follow the on-screen instructions. After you follow the on-screen instructions, the social media account should be added to Hootsuite.
- Click the Create icon. You'll see the pencil-on-paper icon towards the left side of your screen.
- Select which account to post to. In the drop-down under "Post to," you can select which accounts to update. You can select multiple accounts if you want to send the same message or picture to all of them at the same time.
- Click . If you don't want to publish the post now, you can click Schedule for later instead.
- Click the Streams icon (to see all your connected accounts). The Streams icon looks like 4 differently sized rectangles towards the left side of your screen. Your connected accounts will display on the right side of your browser window.[1]
- There are also services like Later that work similar to HootSuite. You can add social accounts to the plan for $15/mo.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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