Excellent discussion....we live in a 7-11 type world where people push a button and expect a result. Slow pitch softball looks easy, but it requires attention to detail as you point out in detail. Playing 3 seasons of senior league after maybe a 15 year break has taken me thru some emotional highs and lows. Practicing with goals and trying to project my highs and lows as I see results in practice...."how does what I just did in BP look in a game?" That cheap grounder or can of corn fly ball is training my "amnesia" in a game situation. Softball like baseball is a weird game, sometimes you get your pitch and you kill a rally, sometimes it is not your pitch or even a relatively horrible pitch , you hit a rocket and you kill the other team. Teammates have remarked that I am one cool character, but the reality is the opposite. I have a lot of work to do
I have a lot of work to do too! Heck, today's short BP session was a terrible swing day. I will forever believe that hitting any round ball, whether a softball, golf ball, or billiard ball, is a lot harder than it looks. And it takes a lot of talent and hard work to strike any of them at an elite level. Hopefully I be able to do it well and consistently. Good luck as you continue to improve!
Totally agree with tip #1. Ive watched tons of bogeys videos and it wasnt until watching one with jason branch talking about his mechanics where it clicked for me.
I started off watching almost exclusively Bogey. He definitely helped me fix the basics, but as I progress, I have found other sources invaluable. If you can get past the old standard definition, the old Ray Demarini vids are great!
@@DLeagueBP Same as me, started with Bogey but this is much more down to earth tips I can implement, without the cost of flying down to get lessons by Bogey (if that's even possible) lol. Honestly, just you pointing out.. you need more practice not more bats, it's very obvious but people like shiny things more than we like work!
So glad I found your channel! Awesome videos and appreciate the suggestions you give here. I had no clue about the pop toss machine, so now I may have to cop that. Keep up the great work with the channel and the videos!
I think you did a pretty good job in this video - I am a HUGE proponent of using a quality batting tee to work on your swing . But my list would have strength training as numero uno on a list of ways to be a better hitter . A man doesn't have to be built like Hercules to hit a softball hard and far but if you want to hit a ball harder ( exit speed ) and farther then making yourself stronger is extremely important . If you want to see HUGE improvements spend the off-season working on compound movements to gain muscle and strength -work on wrist and forearm strengthening in addition to your top 6 list and you will see a huge distance in your performance .
I appreciate the feedback and support! But I suggest fixing mechanics and then learning to swing hard. And my first recommendation on swinging harder would be strength training for sure . But being a great hitter in slow pitch doesn't require homerun power
Very insightful, got another subscriber. Great video. I’ve been playing U-trip for about 10 years out of Texas. Not a big guy. 5’9 at 196. I can hit bombs once in a blue moon. Pride myself on a lead of double guy. Gonna try what you are talking. Thank for this video.
Awesome video brother, you earned yourself a new subscriber. These were excellent tips and things that I found myself doing over the seven years that I’ve been playing slowpitch softball
I appreciate the support and glad you enjoyed the tips! The swing is still very much a work in progress. I have my good days and my bad days. But it is far better than it was a year ago!
Pop Toss works well, but you do have to get used to it. One other thing I'd suggest if you want to hit the ball further... integrate a weight lifting routine. Putting on 10-15 pounds of solid muscle will net you noticeable results when it comes to batted ball speed and distance. Stuff like rowing, pull ups, push ups, bench press, curls, walking lunges, and squats. You don't even need to go very heavy. Light weight, more reps. Also, try to limit as much movement in your swing as possible. Believe it or not, you don't NEED a big leg kick or ridiculously long stride or weight transfer to hit the ball well. The problem with that much movement is that it all has to be perfectly synced, or the whole swing falls apart. That's when you start having severe timing problems, missing the barrel, getting under the ball, lunging, or topping everything. When my swing is feeling really bad I'll use a standard tee. When things are working well I use the Pop Toss. Swing crappy bats in BP. Swing something that performs below the level of your gamer. That'll make you work harder at finding the barrel and generating distance. Then when you DO pick up a good bat in a game it'll feel effortless. Swinging hot bats and hitting stadium balls won't do you any good.
I can't really disagree with any of that, and it is sound advice for anyone trying to get better. But I will add a couple of thoughts. First, I think a player trying to get better should focus most of their attention on mechanics. Just hit the ball well, consistently. And when they have mostly mastered that, then start trying to hit for power. And with power, getting stronger, especially in your core, is huge. Also, a person absolutely doesn't need a big leg kick or a long stride, and when trying to get better, it is best to keep things simple. But as a player gets better, it can be beneficial to experiment a bit. Each person has to find their own way to get to the connected, launch position when that front foot lands. Also, using old BP balls with thousands of hits on them will do wonders to keep the ego in check. I appreciate you stopping by the channel!
I was using my bat i got back in 2001 and could only hit 270ish. Got a new monsta this year and im crishing it 310-320 pretty consistently. So if youre using super old tech an upgrade would definitely help.
Love the content bro, a lot in this video is what I work on. Biggest change that helped me is the overlap grip change. Just like you mentioned it took a few weeks to get real natural feeling, not everything is easy lol. I have only been playing since last year and im seeing a big difference after studying others and investing in equipment. I have the blue flame and a wagon to collect balls and it is awesome for two person bp. I also live in tally and play Friday nights. If you ever need a bp buddy hit me up! Ps I also might have a few bats you would like to review!
Really is a small world! I play Wednesday nights, and like to do BP with teammates on Sunday mornings. But I've been busy lately and I just sneak in some practice when I can. I may take you up on that BP offer this summer. And thanks for the support! Glad you are enjoying the content!!
Great job. I was a nice baseball player... back in the day. I played softball 15-20 years ago and just used my instinctual baseball mechanics. I am now seeing that those mechanics don't play the way I want them to with softball. I am going to try and follow your path knowing that it will take time and to acknowledge small progress. You mention an Anarchy cross core bat that sounds like one that would meet my needs and I do not see that on the Smash it website. Can you assist further? Keep it going! cg
I've noticed that they have been sold out for a while now. No idea when they will restock. I do see them on the second hand market, often still new, in the B/S/T groups. Of course, you have to be careful and make sure you're not being scammed
I like your idea of BP and game bats. That's what I used to do as well. I also live in the midwest where the early and late seasons can be hard on bats. Is there a specific Anarchy model you can recommend? Looking for a balanced 25 oz. for USSSA.
Awesome video! Thanks for the advice, I need more live BP! Time to buy a tee, pitching machine & more balls, not more bats! Lol, well maybe 1 Anarchy so I don't wear out my Genny!
I know this is relative but.... How long do you think it'll take for a newer average skill hitter to move to a 12'' barrel? They have more pop apparently but are harder to hit square in the sweet spot? I have a Genny now and love the 13'' barrel opposed to a 14. Wondering am I realistically 2 years away from moving down to a 12.... or should i jump on the 12'' Anarchy that's on sale for $140 right now lol. What length barrel are you using? Keep up the great vids, I am super inspired, practice practice practice!
I don't think the difference between a 12" barrel and a long barrel is that dramatic. A long barrel will typically reward you with consistent performance up and down the barrel and a short barrel will reward hitters who can consistently hit the sweet spot. To find the right bat for you, try a bunch out. For me, I love a 12" barrel with a half ounce endload, but I am far more consistent swinging a 13" barrel with a full ounce endload. If I am using a 12" in a game, I try to be really picky at the plate. Hope that helps
@@DLeagueBP Yes it does, thanks. I think I'm putting the cart before the horse as usual. Step one is wear out my bat with BP so I become much improved. Then I'll be in a position to know what bat I want next, if I'll want an identical load, or something a little different. Cheers
Great tips and ideas. I'm in a wood-bat softball league. I'm not sure what's considered a good bat. I use a Dick's $30 model for practice and sometimes a Corn Dog in games or a friend's ancient bat with solid wood.
Wood bat league sounds fun! Unfortunately, I don't have any insight on a good wood bat, I would focus my on my ability to hit the ball to every part of the field!
The sidewinder is the better overall bat imo, but not by a lot. That old Flipper still has lots of life in it and if you catch the sweet spot, it still pops!!
Green Pitching Machine by PopToss. I recommend watching my full review of the product here: ruclips.net/video/6cV9hdWtfwQ/видео.htmlsi=8KgYJoyqZHDmK8ej I love mine, but it does require some patience and maintenance. If you do buy 1, code DL12 will save you $12 at poptoss.com
The Green Pitching Machine by PopToss. You can watch my full review of the product here: ruclips.net/video/6cV9hdWtfwQ/видео.html I recommend watching it before purchasing. While i love mine, it does require some patience and maintenance. Finally, if you do buy one from poptoss.com, code DL12 will save $12
I have a MAJOR problem where I hit good taking live BP but complete opposite during games . Too impatient/eager at the plate. Any suggestions to delay my swing or timing ?
I have this problem all the time, and I believe it's far more of a thinking/confidence issue, not a timing issue. However, when i am way early in a game, I let one get way deep on me and hit it backside. Often helps with timing in future at bats. So, I recommend practicing going backside during BP
Try starting with your hands farther away from your body in your stance..helps with getting bad better extension more room between that front arm and body..just don't cast use the same snap
Excellent discussion....we live in a 7-11 type world where people push a button and expect a result. Slow pitch softball looks easy, but it requires attention to detail as you point out in detail. Playing 3 seasons of senior league after maybe a 15 year break has taken me thru some emotional highs and lows. Practicing with goals and trying to project my highs and lows as I see results in practice...."how does what I just did in BP look in a game?" That cheap grounder or can of corn fly ball is training my "amnesia" in a game situation. Softball like baseball is a weird game, sometimes you get your pitch and you kill a rally, sometimes it is not your pitch or even a relatively horrible pitch , you hit a rocket and you kill the other team. Teammates have remarked that I am one cool character, but the reality is the opposite. I have a lot of work to do
I have a lot of work to do too! Heck, today's short BP session was a terrible swing day. I will forever believe that hitting any round ball, whether a softball, golf ball, or billiard ball, is a lot harder than it looks. And it takes a lot of talent and hard work to strike any of them at an elite level. Hopefully I be able to do it well and consistently. Good luck as you continue to improve!
Totally agree with tip #1. Ive watched tons of bogeys videos and it wasnt until watching one with jason branch talking about his mechanics where it clicked for me.
I started off watching almost exclusively Bogey. He definitely helped me fix the basics, but as I progress, I have found other sources invaluable. If you can get past the old standard definition, the old Ray Demarini vids are great!
@@DLeagueBP Same as me, started with Bogey but this is much more down to earth tips I can implement, without the cost of flying down to get lessons by Bogey (if that's even possible) lol. Honestly, just you pointing out.. you need more practice not more bats, it's very obvious but people like shiny things more than we like work!
Thanks brother, I'm a senior slowpitch scrub trying ti make it better... a great resource. Best to ya.
Thanks! I appreciate the support!!
So glad I found your channel! Awesome videos and appreciate the suggestions you give here. I had no clue about the pop toss machine, so now I may have to cop that. Keep up the great work with the channel and the videos!
Thanks! I appreciate the support!!
I think you did a pretty good job in this video - I am a HUGE proponent of using a quality batting tee to work on your swing . But my list would have strength training as numero uno on a list of ways to be a better hitter . A man doesn't have to be built like Hercules to hit a softball hard and far but if you want to hit a ball harder ( exit speed ) and farther then making yourself stronger is extremely important . If you want to see HUGE improvements spend the off-season working on compound movements to gain muscle and strength -work on wrist and forearm strengthening in addition to your top 6 list and you will see a huge distance in your performance .
I appreciate the feedback and support! But I suggest fixing mechanics and then learning to swing hard. And my first recommendation on swinging harder would be strength training for sure . But being a great hitter in slow pitch doesn't require homerun power
Very insightful, got another subscriber. Great video. I’ve been playing U-trip for about 10 years out of Texas. Not a big guy. 5’9 at 196. I can hit bombs once in a blue moon. Pride myself on a lead of double guy. Gonna try what you are talking. Thank for this video.
Thank you for the support!!
happy for your journey and caring for other's journeys
Thanks! Others have helped me with their content, so if someone can use my experience to better themselves, I feel like I'm kind of paying it forward
Awesome video brother, you earned yourself a new subscriber. These were excellent tips and things that I found myself doing over the seven years that I’ve been playing slowpitch softball
I really appreciate the support!!
Great video. Trying to get my team to watch and Learn. This really shows a great a example of work ethic
Thanks!
great video!
great swing, solid tips also.. following...
I appreciate the support and glad you enjoyed the tips! The swing is still very much a work in progress. I have my good days and my bad days. But it is far better than it was a year ago!
Pop Toss works well, but you do have to get used to it. One other thing I'd suggest if you want to hit the ball further... integrate a weight lifting routine. Putting on 10-15 pounds of solid muscle will net you noticeable results when it comes to batted ball speed and distance. Stuff like rowing, pull ups, push ups, bench press, curls, walking lunges, and squats. You don't even need to go very heavy. Light weight, more reps.
Also, try to limit as much movement in your swing as possible. Believe it or not, you don't NEED a big leg kick or ridiculously long stride or weight transfer to hit the ball well. The problem with that much movement is that it all has to be perfectly synced, or the whole swing falls apart. That's when you start having severe timing problems, missing the barrel, getting under the ball, lunging, or topping everything.
When my swing is feeling really bad I'll use a standard tee. When things are working well I use the Pop Toss.
Swing crappy bats in BP. Swing something that performs below the level of your gamer. That'll make you work harder at finding the barrel and generating distance. Then when you DO pick up a good bat in a game it'll feel effortless. Swinging hot bats and hitting stadium balls won't do you any good.
I can't really disagree with any of that, and it is sound advice for anyone trying to get better.
But I will add a couple of thoughts. First, I think a player trying to get better should focus most of their attention on mechanics. Just hit the ball well, consistently. And when they have mostly mastered that, then start trying to hit for power. And with power, getting stronger, especially in your core, is huge.
Also, a person absolutely doesn't need a big leg kick or a long stride, and when trying to get better, it is best to keep things simple. But as a player gets better, it can be beneficial to experiment a bit. Each person has to find their own way to get to the connected, launch position when that front foot lands.
Also, using old BP balls with thousands of hits on them will do wonders to keep the ego in check.
I appreciate you stopping by the channel!
nice bat. just got one today
I was using my bat i got back in 2001 and could only hit 270ish. Got a new monsta this year and im crishing it 310-320 pretty consistently. So if youre using super old tech an upgrade would definitely help.
Absolutely! The old tech wasn't designed to hit these softer 52/300 balls
Love the content bro, a lot in this video is what I work on. Biggest change that helped me is the overlap grip change. Just like you mentioned it took a few weeks to get real natural feeling, not everything is easy lol. I have only been playing since last year and im seeing a big difference after studying others and investing in equipment. I have the blue flame and a wagon to collect balls and it is awesome for two person bp. I also live in tally and play Friday nights. If you ever need a bp buddy hit me up! Ps I also might have a few bats you would like to review!
Really is a small world! I play Wednesday nights, and like to do BP with teammates on Sunday mornings. But I've been busy lately and I just sneak in some practice when I can. I may take you up on that BP offer this summer. And thanks for the support! Glad you are enjoying the content!!
Great job. I was a nice baseball player... back in the day. I played softball 15-20 years ago and just used my instinctual baseball mechanics. I am now seeing that those mechanics don't play the way I want them to with softball. I am going to try and follow your path knowing that it will take time and to acknowledge small progress. You mention an Anarchy cross core bat that sounds like one that would meet my needs and I do not see that on the Smash it website. Can you assist further? Keep it going! cg
I've noticed that they have been sold out for a while now. No idea when they will restock. I do see them on the second hand market, often still new, in the B/S/T groups. Of course, you have to be careful and make sure you're not being scammed
this is good advice, nice job. ed rose art of hitting
Thanks. I could have linked Ed as well. Another guy I've been watching lately
I like your idea of BP and game bats. That's what I used to do as well. I also live in the midwest where the early and late seasons can be hard on bats. Is there a specific Anarchy model you can recommend? Looking for a balanced 25 oz. for USSSA.
I don't swing much USSSA. Mostly USA/ASA. So, i don't have a specific recommendation if you are asking about a utrip bat
Awesome video! Thanks for the advice, I need more live BP! Time to buy a tee, pitching machine & more balls, not more bats! Lol, well maybe 1 Anarchy so I don't wear out my Genny!
Glad you enjoyed the video!
Thanks
I know this is relative but.... How long do you think it'll take for a newer average skill hitter to move to a 12'' barrel? They have more pop apparently but are harder to hit square in the sweet spot? I have a Genny now and love the 13'' barrel opposed to a 14. Wondering am I realistically 2 years away from moving down to a 12.... or should i jump on the 12'' Anarchy that's on sale for $140 right now lol. What length barrel are you using?
Keep up the great vids, I am super inspired, practice practice practice!
I don't think the difference between a 12" barrel and a long barrel is that dramatic. A long barrel will typically reward you with consistent performance up and down the barrel and a short barrel will reward hitters who can consistently hit the sweet spot. To find the right bat for you, try a bunch out. For me, I love a 12" barrel with a half ounce endload, but I am far more consistent swinging a 13" barrel with a full ounce endload. If I am using a 12" in a game, I try to be really picky at the plate. Hope that helps
@@DLeagueBP Yes it does, thanks.
I think I'm putting the cart before the horse as usual. Step one is wear out my bat with BP so I become much improved. Then I'll be in a position to know what bat I want next, if I'll want an identical load, or something a little different.
Cheers
Great tips and ideas. I'm in a wood-bat softball league. I'm not sure what's considered a good bat. I use a Dick's $30 model for practice and sometimes a Corn Dog in games or a friend's ancient bat with solid wood.
Wood bat league sounds fun! Unfortunately, I don't have any insight on a good wood bat, I would focus my on my ability to hit the ball to every part of the field!
off topic but...
how does that flipper compare to the sidewinder
The sidewinder is the better overall bat imo, but not by a lot. That old Flipper still has lots of life in it and if you catch the sweet spot, it still pops!!
yo what soft toss pitching machine is that exactly
Green Pitching Machine by PopToss. I recommend watching my full review of the product here:
ruclips.net/video/6cV9hdWtfwQ/видео.htmlsi=8KgYJoyqZHDmK8ej
I love mine, but it does require some patience and maintenance. If you do buy 1, code DL12 will save you $12 at poptoss.com
What is that pitching machine called?!
The Green Pitching Machine by PopToss. You can watch my full review of the product here:
ruclips.net/video/6cV9hdWtfwQ/видео.html
I recommend watching it before purchasing. While i love mine, it does require some patience and maintenance.
Finally, if you do buy one from poptoss.com, code DL12 will save $12
I have a MAJOR problem where I hit good taking live BP but complete opposite during games . Too impatient/eager at the plate. Any suggestions to delay my swing or timing ?
I have this problem all the time, and I believe it's far more of a thinking/confidence issue, not a timing issue. However, when i am way early in a game, I let one get way deep on me and hit it backside. Often helps with timing in future at bats. So, I recommend practicing going backside during BP
Try starting with your hands farther away from your body in your stance..helps with getting bad better extension more room between that front arm and body..just don't cast use the same snap
Sound advice and something I have started doing (when I remember)!
good content
Thanks!
Thanks for linking all the other dude’s videos. Ive only ever watched KVB. Quality video though brother
Edit: links to other channels dont work
Thanks for letting me know. I'll try to fix that when I get a chance
@@DLeagueBP thanks partner
YW and those links should hopefully work now
@@DLeagueBP yezzir theyre G2G. Ive also watched all of those channels 😂 good quality content out here!
Gane day ritual for me is watching Ray Dean deanmarini videos . Was the man
Swing the same bat . Buy 3 same weight
If only we could all be coached up by Ray!! He explains everything so well and was a beast with a bat in his hands
I’ll pass, can’t fix not having the ability 👍💯