Curt DeHaan
Tim Malone
When was the last time you took a stance on something? Stance is a versatile word that can add depth and precision to any position you might take. Take softball—a stance extends beyond its literal meaning, making it a valuable tool for batters.
“Be sure to put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” —Abraham Lincoln
Without a good batting stance, batters may find their feet are too close together or too far apart. A solid stance can help batters better control their upper body and more effectively make contact with the ball. If batters begin to feel awkward with their swing, it might just mean they need to use a stance that more squarely aligns their upper body to enable solid contact with the ball.
Let’s learn from a few players from the SaddleBrooke Senior Softball Association.
According to Curt DeHaan, it’s all about stance. The right stance is something he has worked on for a consistent swing. It all begins with the right stance.
It turns out it’s hard to consistently know if our stance is correct. If a batter is in a slump, he or she might change their stance. Now the search begins to find that elusive stance to more effectively make contact with the softball.
Jay Crenshaw says when your feet are well-spaced, it helps you feel more confident and be in control. Your stance allows for a more comfortable and natural approach to your swing.
I asked Charles Hendryx about his stance. He said it involves the alignment of his whole body over his feet. For optimal performance, let’s add legs, hips, shoulders, and arms to a batter’s swing. The right swing can offer stability, balance, and optimal performance.
Too often batters find themselves with their upper bodies stiff and moving their feet aimlessly, resulting in an eagerness to make contact with the ball. With feet solidly in place and knees bent, batters can move their shoulders more athletically and naturally toward the bat.
The goal of a batter’s stance is to make solid contact with the softball. Just as in life, no matter what sort of stance you take, make sure your position is well-balanced with a solid foundation.