Frustration With Dink Hits

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Aug 13, 2018
4
1
First post here but I have been viewing for several years - Great site with so much useful and helpful information! Thanks to all of you in advance.

9th year coaching HS Fastpitch and this year I am really getting frustrated with several girls who are content to "put the ball in play" rather then to swing the bats with power and determination. I know much of this is mental and revolves around being aggressive, "want to" and the desire to do well.

Most of these same girls swing the bats well in the cage, but just can't get them to swing it in game situations.

I've been looking around but just not finding anything that seems to look like it will help with this.

Any thoughts, directions to threads that have already covered this scenario or ideas on drills would be greatly appreciated.
 
Oct 13, 2014
5,471
113
South Cali
First post here but I have been viewing for several years - Great site with so much useful and helpful information! Thanks to all of you in advance.

9th year coaching HS Fastpitch and this year I am really getting frustrated with several girls who are content to "put the ball in play" rather then to swing the bats with power and determination. I know much of this is mental and revolves around being aggressive, "want to" and the desire to do well.

Most of these same girls swing the bats well in the cage, but just can't get them to swing it in game situations.

I've been looking around but just not finding anything that seems to look like it will help with this.

Any thoughts, directions to threads that have already covered this scenario or ideas on drills would be greatly appreciated.


Candy for extra base hits works well! Works all the way up into HS.
 
Aug 13, 2018
4
1
Yes sir - Dink hits for outs. Easy rollers to IF. Couldn't hit the green if they tried. Two of the three are good sized girls.

Hawk - Wish it was that easy. Single A ball at a very small school. No one behind them pushing them to get better like in the larger schools. The cupboard is empty if you know what I mean.
 
Last edited:
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
My guess...The fear of striking out looms large, and they have had success in youth rec ball by just putting the ball in play and letting the defense screw up as a method of getting on base.

There needs to be a shift in mentality where hitting the ball hard is the goal, not just putting it in play. Compliment them for hard swings, even if they K. I've said "hit it like you're mad at it" to players more times than I can count.

In practice, playing "Over the Line" is good a fun way to work on hitting hard. Easy ground balls don't score points.

In the box during a game, they need to have a "predator" attitude. They are up there to be aggressive and violent.
 

marriard

Not lost - just no idea where I am
Oct 2, 2011
4,312
113
Florida
Candy for extra base hits works well! Works all the way up into HS.

Another is adding a signal for a 'huge hack at this pitch no mater what'. A lot of players slow their swings to make it easier to make contact because they want the extra time to decide if it is a ball or a strike. If you take that decision away from them it gives them free reign to swing hard at whatever comes in. Worth a go. May not work for everyone - but it will for some.
 

Chris Delorit

Member
Apr 24, 2016
343
28
Green Bay, WI
DCFS,

Please consider that this type of work normally begins with these young athletes in their youth program. If you have a support program(s), it's a great place for your leadership and also an opportunity for your guidance relative to the type of skills that you eventually would like to see as these kids get closer to your HS program.

If your school system is so small that you don't have the luxury of a support program, then you may consider a series of clinics throughout the year. If you open it up to surrounding communities, you may find additional interest and support as well as funds that you can improve your program with.

As far as hitting, there have already been some great replies for you to consider. It may be fair to assume these kids just haven't had alot of experience, especially if it's just about 'something to do' for 3 months of the year.

Chris
 

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