College coach 2 strike hittting instructions.

Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch

Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web.

Oct 19, 2009
1,827
0
So, today coach made us try this new stance. Its only for a 2 strike count and said that if we did not do it in the next games, she would bench us.

Basically, we have to put the toes of our back foot on the batter's box line close to the plate. We then have to have an open stance. Our front foot toes basically has to point toward the second base man if not pointing more toward the pitcher. We are not allowed to step or anything. All they want us to do is use our hips. When I tried it, I had no power what so ever with the outside pitch. He said that I am dipping trying to hit the outside pitch. (when I was trying that stance). I don't know what to do, I do not feel at all comfortable with that stance.
:confused:

Above is an email from DD, who seems stressed reference the 2 strikes stance the coach is advocating. Seems rather strange and IMO seems rather awkward how my mind sees it JMO.

My advise was to never get into a 2 strike count. :cool:
 

marriard

Not lost - just no idea where I am
Oct 2, 2011
4,312
113
Florida
:confused:

Above is an email from DD, who seems stressed reference the 2 strikes stance the coach is advocating. Seems rather strange and IMO seems rather awkward how my mind sees it JMO.

My advise was to never get into a 2 strike count. :cool:

Sounds like a coach of a team who are not hitting well (especially on 2 strikes) and is all out of ideas of what they can do to fix it.

As a player, you give it a go... And if it doesn't work well I am sure a brand new idea wont be long in coming.
 
Jun 7, 2013
984
0
Personally, I advocate a two strike hitting style something like this when you are facing an overwhelming pitcher. All you would be looking to do is to get the sweet spot of the bat on the ball and there will be enough power to get it to the outfield, hopefully, for a hit.
 
Jun 17, 2009
15,105
0
Portland, OR
So, today coach made us try this new stance. Its only for a 2 strike count and said that if we did not do it in the next games, she would bench us.

Basically, we have to put the toes of our back foot on the batter's box line close to the plate. We then have to have an open stance. Our front foot toes basically has to point toward the second base man if not pointing more toward the pitcher. We are not allowed to step or anything. All they want us to do is use our hips. When I tried it, I had no power what so ever with the outside pitch. He said that I am dipping trying to hit the outside pitch. (when I was trying that stance). I don't know what to do, I do not feel at all comfortable with that stance.
:confused:

Above is an email from DD, who seems stressed reference the 2 strikes stance the coach is advocating. Seems rather strange and IMO seems rather awkward how my mind sees it JMO.

My advise was to never get into a 2 strike count. :cool:

The email states ...

she would bench us.

And ...

He said that I am dipping trying to hit the outside pitch.

Sounds like multiple coaches may be involved.

The notion of having the back foot closer to the plate, and the front foot open, is described in Epstein's book as one two-strike approach.

Perhaps think in terms of the 45-degree drill, or the LAF hitters. Done properly the swing can be quite fluid.
 
Last edited:
Jan 25, 2011
2,282
38
Personally, I advocate a two strike hitting style something like this when you are facing an overwhelming pitcher. All you would be looking to do is to get the sweet spot of the bat on the ball and there will be enough power to get it to the outfield, hopefully, for a hit.
why, do train your girls different ways of hitting? Players spend years developing their swing and when they get 2 strikes, you have them change. I find that to be the ridiculous. To me, it says the coach didn't do their job. If I have to ask a player to change, then I did not prepare them right physically or mentally to be at the plate. I'm all in, I don't want them to hold back. If I'm in for the inch then I'm in for the mile.
 
Jun 17, 2009
15,105
0
Portland, OR
Personally, I advocate a two strike hitting style something like this when you are facing an overwhelming pitcher. All you would be looking to do is to get the sweet spot of the bat on the ball and there will be enough power to get it to the outfield, hopefully, for a hit.
why, do train your girls different ways of hitting? Players spend years developing their swing and when they get 2 strikes, you have them change. I find that to be the ridiculous. To me, it says the coach didn't do their job. If I have to ask a player to change, then I did not prepare them right physically or mentally to be at the plate. I'm all in, I don't want them to hold back. If I'm in for the inch then I'm in for the mile.

It isn't uncommon for a team to have a requirement of a two-strike mechanic. There are some top nationally recognized club teams that require that their hitters use a modified approach with two strikes. It's even in print in their hitting guidelines.
 
Jan 4, 2012
3,852
38
OH-IO
My DD is a pitcher, who didn't work on her hitting as much as pitching. She is also a lead off RH slapper/HR hitter....depending on how good/fast the Pitcher is. This winter She picked up sneaky bunt, and is working on a chop. She does something similar to the above, and we call it a slash... (kinda check swing) On two strikes, she goes to work on pitcher to make her have to throw 10+ pitches so everyone see's contact is possible...& pick her go-to pitch.

But... you point the toe, where you want the ball to go... JMHO :cool:

EP: had to check... thank God this is the Practical Thread
 
Last edited:
Jun 7, 2013
984
0
why, do train your girls different ways of hitting? Players spend years developing their swing and when they get 2 strikes, you have them change. I find that to be the ridiculous. To me, it says the coach didn't do their job. If I have to ask a player to change, then I did not prepare them right physically or mentally to be at the plate. I'm all in, I don't want them to hold back. If I'm in for the inch then I'm in for the mile.

Even Ted Williams changed his approach with two strikes, choking up a bit, getting more up on the plate, and looking more to make contact rather than drive the ball. What I advocate is a simplification of the batting stroke which is easy to instruct and I've seen great success with this.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
42,830
Messages
679,477
Members
21,445
Latest member
Bmac81802
Top