How do you get better at playing softball?

I'm on my school softball team. I'm a pretty decent player, but i want to get much much better. I know through lots of practice i can be better. Got any tips, or drills? (for batting AND feilding..I play shortstop)|||My tips:





Batting:


1. Always throw your hands at the ball. It'll get you through the zone quicker and you swing right at the ball. Don't use your arms or shoulders, you'll swing late and there's a possibility of injury.


2. Make sure the bat is the right size and has a good drop weight. You don't want to swing a bat that's too heavy, or you'll swing late.


3. Leave your head down, don't bring it up. Watch the ball hit the bat.


4. Wait for your pitch, if it's a ball or not where you want it, don't swing.


5. Be aware of what types of pitches the pitcher has. Sit back on change-ups, don't swing to early.


6. Don't grip the bat too tight, it'll sting your hands and give you blisters.


7. Don't get down/lose confidence because of a previous hit.


8. Know your strike zone.


9. When you're using a pitching machine, chances are you're getting used to the speed and not actually watching the ball. WATCH THE BALL!


10. Hit off a tee. If the tee moves you're not hitting the ball right. Hit the middle of the ball. The only way to do this right is by watching the ball.


11. Soft toss. If you don't know what this is, it's when someone kneels next to you and tosses a ball in front of you, and you hit it (usually into a fence).


12. Always catch the ball out front. If the balls over the plate, it's too late. You should make contact before it crosses the plate.


13. If you're right handed, and you hit the ball and it goes foul to the left you're too early and if it goes to the right you're late. If you're left it's the opposite.


14. Don't be afraid of a walk. I don't know about you, but a lot of people want to go up there and hit. If you're going to want to hit (like most do) wait for your pitch. Take a ball (or 4).


15. Think single or double not fences. A single or double can be a lot more helpful than flying out trying to hit the game winning homerun.





Bunting:


1. Hold the bat out with both feet toward the pitcher. Hold the bat at a 45 degree angle upwards like / but at 45 degrees. You know what I'm saying?


2. Don't chop/poke at the ball. Use your legs to go up and down and let the ball hit the bat and die off.


3. Pull the bat handle towards third to bunt to first and vice versa. Never back to the pitcher or into the air. Try to get it down the third base line.


4. If it's a sacrifice, it doesn't matter where the ball is, you have to get the bunt down.





Throwing:


1. Quick toss. Have someone throw with you and catch and release quickly.


2. Hard toss. Do the same but try to throw it harder and at a good height.


3. When you release the ball, you should be in a motion that looks like you threw the ball the the gound. (But you actually released it, it's the follow through)


4. Use your glove to set the target.


5. No side arm. Espically for an outfielder. Yes it's the quickest way to throw the ball, but actually go through and overhand motion.


6. Crow hop. If you don't know what this is, search for a video. This gives you more power.


Strength/Conditioning:


1. Run laps around the field, not the bases, the entire field.


2. Sprints. Run to first a few times. Go back to home and run to first than second, etc. until you run around the bases.


3. Lifting weights. Not too heavy, just enough to get toned.


4. More sprints or suicides.





In the Outfield:


1. Have someone hit fly balls (off a bat, don't throw. It'll train your eye better) Do step 2 at the same time.


2. Long throws. Catch the ball crow hop and throw it in to different positions as if there were different situations.


3. Have line drives hit to you and do the same as step 2.


4. Grounders through the gap (step 2)


5. During a game, make sure you back up everything. If, in your case, the first baseman missing the ball and you don't get it, the runners getting extra bases. Be aware on snap throws (when catch will throw the ball down after the pitch and pick them off)|||Practice, take as many grounders as possible. Practice your swing until it is perfect. Try using a baseball while hitting. It is smaller and harder to hit so come game time you will be able to tee off on the sb better. good luck.|||Practice...|||To improve your softball game, practice at home is effective. To take the next step, using training equipment or using a trainer such as velocity sports performance centers, can improve fundamentals. SPARQ programs also give athletes improved speed, power, agility, reaction and quickness. These suggestions may help elevate your game. |||try and get stronger. Do some pushups and if u have some, lift weights |||steroids.....no i'm just kidding. work hard on your reflexes and hand eye coordination