12U dd wants to learn to switch hit...

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Sep 17, 2016
11
1
My 12yo daughter wants to learn how to switch hit sooo bad. She asked me yesterday if I can find a new batting coach to work only of batting lefty. I am not sure why she wants to as she is a power hitter on her tournament team but any advice, insight, etc on lefty batting/switch hitting is appreciated. :cool:

PS
She does not want to slap and has been practicing bunting lefty for a few months now a bit but is determined to learn how to bat lefty so she can switch hit
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Switch hitting is a bad idea, switching to lefty is OK though but if she is not going to do the things you mentioned , slapping or bunting , she is just having fun and not helping herself.
 
Feb 28, 2015
307
28
Heatbox
Most right hand batters who are super fast switch to lefty slapper by sometime in 12U. Seen a lot of girls do it and be good at it. DD1 had 4 TB teammates switch in 12's and are still doing it in College. I see nothing wrong with learning to hit lefty non slap. You never know, you may end up with more power.....
 
Apr 26, 2015
704
43
DD is a natural lefty and speedy. She switch hit until 2nd yr of 10s. I would say "jack of all trades and master of none" pretty much sums up where DD was ... She was a contact hitter, but wasn't great at either side. 2nd yr 10s she went all left and now she is a true triple threat (ok always a work in progress because she is only 14...but you know what I mean...). She bunts, slaps and hits away.
 
Feb 28, 2015
307
28
Heatbox
I actually wish there was no slapping in softball. 87% of them are out of the box when they slap. And only get called on it probably less than 5%. We lost a game to a very good team because the slapper stepped on the plate to hit an outside pitch.....Blue wouldn't call it. Sorry I got off topic... Mini rant over......
 
Nov 29, 2009
2,975
83
We switched mine to lefty 2nd yr 12U due to her speed. I won't lie, it has been a struggle at times.

It takes about 3 years of full time dedication, lessons and work to make the switch look natural. It's a parent who usually becomes frustrated with the slow pace of the progress who is the one who wants switch back and forth. If you're seeing progress keep at it.
 

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