46/60 Academy46/60 ACADEMYBY ATHLETIC HITTING DEVELOPMENT

PARENT GUIDE · FASTPITCH

Youth Softball Hitting

Fastpitch is its own game, with its own timing, its own pitches and its own bats. Here is where young softball players and their parents can start.

Young softball players are often coached with baseball ideas and a bigger ball. Fastpitch moves faster, the pitches move differently and the gear rules are different. This guide brings together the 46/60 Academy resources built for softball families.

Start here

Gear

Skills every softball hitter needs

Free games to practice it

A few minutes a day, on a phone or tablet.

Slap Timing!Softball Pitch SpeedSee It, Call It!Strike or Ball?Bat Size Calculator
WHEN YOU’RE READY

30-Day Complete Hitter

The whole hitter in short daily lessons, for baseball and softball players. $49, with the first lessons free.

SEE THE COURSE →

Parent questions

Is a softball swing different from a baseball swing?

The athletic basics are the same, but fastpitch has a closer pitcher, rise and drop pitches, and less time to decide, so timing and pitch reading matter even more.

When should my daughter learn to slap?

Many players try slapping around 10 to 12, often with a coach’s guidance. The Slap Timing game is a fun way to learn the rhythm.

Are softball bats different from baseball bats?

Yes. Fastpitch bats have their own certifications. Check your league’s required stamp before buying.

More parent guides

Softball Drills by AgeBaseball Drills by AgeHow to Teach a Kid to HitHelping Kids See the BallThe Baseball & Softball Parent GuideAll free gamesAll articles