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Softball is a terrific way to get exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and expend competitive energy. It's also easy to learn, and there are countless leagues available for beginners. If you're new to the activity, Sports & Sports, the premier sporting goods store in Ashtabula, OH, offers some tips to help you become competitive quickly.

Beginner Softball Tips From Ohio's Premier Sporting Goods Store

1. Practice Hitting Line Drives

The line drive is the hardest ball for fielders to defend against, so practice hitting the ball square on. A line drive translates into a base hit over 80% of the time, compared to about 40% for grounders and 25% for pop flies. If you can hit the ball between the infielders or just over their heads, you have an excellent chance to get on base and score a run for your team.

2. Slide Into Base

Sporting goods store in Ashtabula, OHBe an aggressive base runner. Don't take foolish risks, but try to maximize your "base earnings" whenever possible. Learn to slide into base effectively. It often puts you out of the defender's reach and makes you difficult to tag out. However, unlike in baseball, base stealing is not allowed in most softball leagues.

3. Become a Triple Threat

In addition to line drives, also learn to bunt the ball and hit long sacrificed fly balls that will let a runner score from base. When you're a triple threat, fielders will find you impossible to predict and therefore more difficult to defend against.

4. Don't "Take" the First Pitch

Many batters habitually "take"—or fail to swing at—the first pitch, preferring to get a feel for the pitcher's style before committing to a swing. Don't do this, as it could be a wasted opportunity. Train yourself to take advantage of a perfect pitch whenever it presents itself. Be ready to swing at the ball at any time.

To purchase bats, balls, gloves, and other equipment for your new softball pastime, contact Sports & Sports, the leading sporting goods store in Ashtabula, OH. They even offer screen printing so you can order custom shirts or uniforms for your team. Visit their website to learn more about their history and vision, or call (440) 998-4664 to have your questions answered.

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