Fastpitch softball looks different from the first pitch. The ball starts low, near the pitcher's hip, and travels up and in toward the plate. For a new 8U–10U hitter, that can feel strange. The good news: a few simple habits make it feel normal fast.
Teach beginners to start their small load as the pitcher's arm circles, keep their eyes on the release point near the hip, and swing level-to-slightly-up through a ball that is rising toward them. Practice with soft tosses from below so the angle feels familiar.
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Why does a fastpitch pitch look so different?
In baseball, the ball comes down from above. In fastpitch, the pitcher whips the arm in a big circle and lets go low, by the hip. So the ball travels from below and up toward the hitter.
That changes where your child should look. Their eyes need to start low, at the hip, not up at the pitcher's head. If they look in the wrong spot, the ball is already halfway there before they find it.
At 8U and 10U, many leagues use coach pitch, machine pitch or player pitch, and some mix them. Pitch distance and rules change too. Check your league's rules so you practice the right look.
How do you time the windmill?
The windmill has a rhythm. Beginners often wait too long, then rush. We teach a simple count that ties the hitter's body to the pitcher's arm.
- Arm goes up: the hitter starts a small load, shifting a little weight to the back leg.
- Arm comes over the top: the front foot lifts or slides a small step.
- Arm comes down by the hip: the front foot lands. Eyes lock on the release.
- Ball is out: see it, decide, and swing if it is a good pitch.
Say it out loud together: "Up, over, down, go." Saying the words helps young players feel the timing without thinking too hard. Being a little early is easier to fix than being late.
How do you know if timing is off? Late swings send the ball foul to the opposite side, or the bat is still moving when the ball is in the catcher's mitt. If you see that, start the load sooner, not faster.
What does a good beginner stance look like?
Think athletic, not stiff. A good stance looks like a player ready to catch a ball or jump sideways.
- Feet a little wider than the shoulders, weight on the balls of the feet.
- Knees soft and slightly bent, like sitting on a tall stool.
- Hands near the back shoulder, relaxed, not squeezing the bat.
- Head still, both eyes facing the pitcher.
- Bat at an angle, not straight up and not flat.
Check the stance with a quick game. Give a gentle nudge on the shoulder. If your child stays balanced, the stance is strong. If they tip over, widen the feet a bit.
How can my daughter see the ball better?
Seeing the ball comes first. A hitter can only swing well at a ball they track early. Here are three ways to train the eyes.
- Find the hip: before every pitch, have her point the bat knob at the pitcher's hip, then get set. That is where the ball appears.
- Call the color: write a number or color dot on a few soft balls. Underhand them and have her call it out before swinging.
- Take and track: for five pitches, no swinging. She watches the ball all the way into your glove or the net.
Our 30-Day Hitting Processor builds this skill a few minutes a day: see the ball, know the zone and choose when to swing.
Simple fastpitch drills you can do at home
Keep sessions short, about 10 minutes, and keep it fun. Use foam or soft balls, have plenty of space, and stop if anything hurts.
- Underhand soft toss from below: kneel a safe distance to the side and toss underhand, slightly upward, into the strike zone. 10 swings, two rounds.
- Windmill shadow timing: a parent does a slow windmill with no ball. The hitter loads and strides with "up, over, down, go." 10 reps.
- Tee at the front of the plate: set the tee a little out in front, about belt high. Focus on hitting the back of the ball, level to slightly up. 15 swings.
- Rise-ball check: toss a few balls that finish high. The game is to lay off any ball above the hands. Count the good takes.
End with one favorite drill so she leaves wanting more. Not sure where to start? Our free Quick Check gives you one clear first step.
One thing to remember
In fastpitch, the ball starts low at the hip, so the eyes start low and the load starts early.
What to do this week
Do the windmill shadow drill for five minutes on three days, saying "up, over, down, go" together. On one day, add 20 underhand soft tosses from below with foam balls.
Parent questions
What age do girls start fastpitch softball?
Many leagues start around 6 to 8 with coach or machine pitch, then move to player pitch. Ages and formats vary, so check your league's rules.
Should a fastpitch hitter swing up at the ball?
Because the ball rises toward the plate, a level to slightly upward path through the ball works well. Avoid big uppercuts or chopping down; aim to meet the ball out front.
Is a softball bat the same as a baseball bat?
No. Fastpitch bats use different certifications and sizes. Check your league's rulebook before you buy one.
This article is part of the 46/60 parent guide Youth Softball Hitting. Start there for every related article and game.