Fastpitch vs. Slowpitch Softball?

Question

I'm trying out for a fastpitch team for the first time in a few weeks. I've never played fastpitch, but I have played slowpitch for 9 years. Does anyone have tips/suggestions on what to do to prepare, or what the differences are between the two? Thanks!

Answer 1

The similarities between fastpitch and slowpitch are about as varied as between baseball and softball. I don't know what age you are or what position you've ever played in slowpitch but you'll definitely need to be ready to practically learn a new sport. Sure, you catch, throw, hit, and run, but the speed you'll see, physical skills you use, and rules will change a bit.
If you can catch a hard-thrown ball, throw accurately to a target, and hit a ball, you're on the right track.
I'm sure the tryout will involve fielding grounders, catching fly balls, and running so hopefully you've developed these skills decently with your slowpitch history.
To prepare for your try-out, visit the batting cage a few times per week. The arc on the pitch in slowpitch will throw off your swing for fastpitch so you'll have to learn to level out your swing, instead of sweeping your bat at the ball like many slowpitch hitters do. While at the batting cage, try to hit the ball back directly at the pitching machine. You wil notice your swing will be more compact than when you were swinging at an arcing slowpitch.
As a kid, I went down the line at the batting cages once or twice each visit, hitting every style of ball thrown (fastpitch slow, fastpitch fast, slowpitch, baseball slow, and baseball fast). This helped me develop the ability to react to the speed of any pitch with the same power.
Finally, don't give up if the tryout doesn't go your way and you really have a passion for it. Find another league, keep working on your fundamentals, and talk with a fastpitch coach (or equally passioned friend) who would be willing to invest some time in your skills.

Answer 2

the difference is that you throw the ball harder for fastpitch. why don't you get a softball and throw it really fast at a wall over and over. having someone yell 'harder, harder, faster, faster' while you do it is good motivation. to work on hitting, go to a batting cage for baseball - do they have them for softball? trying to hit a smaller ball will help you with bigger softballs. fastpitch is way better than slowpitch.

Answer 3

Fastpitch is played at a much faster pace, with the same rules as baseball, stealing, bunting and leadoffs. The pitching is incredibly hard to get used to as your reaction time is short. Get into the batting cages and work at your batting till you can hit 70MPH pitches out of a machine. Pitching machines are actually much eaisier to hit than the pitchers are, due to the consistancy of the machine, but it will help you with the timing.

Answer 4

I played slow pitch after playing fast pitch 10 years . it is not as fun and not as competitive as fast. I think it is for the younger kids just starting out. the ball is bigger and the bases are stupid.
Throwing fast pitch will build up your arms. You will be throwing a lot harder and faster at longer distances. and you will run longer because the bases are like a regular ball field.
you will learn more and enjoy fast better because you are being competitive more.