Softball Hitting Tips: Batter's Box Routine - Amanda Scarborough

Former Texas A&M softball player and two-time All American Amanda Scarborough talks about her routine in the batter's box. She addresses how to take a pitch and hit with confidence. Great batting tips.
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[@miaarteaga2723]

This didn't just give me tips but gave me confidence because I am the type of person that feels like a I am going to get a heart attack when getting to the batter box

[@ienjoywritingsometimes3986]

Mia Arteaga SaMe

[@miaelaine263]

Mia Arteaga same!! Also my name is Mia too:) lol

[@aliyahandsarahplayz9161]

Mia Arteaga I’m so the same omg

[@fantasticjaebug4010]

Me to xD

[@purplepanda2972]

Mia Arteaga today is my first time playing softball and im kinda nervous

[@deannalovesss]

This is exactly why I'm practicing softball. Self confidence and critical thinking but my teacher doesn't seem understand this perspective.

[@morgan4237]

Pear Melg My life story

[@carli4636]

it's a mature perspective.

[@kabyle.06.58]

@@carli4636 bonjour cv bien j'espère j vous dérange pas madame juste pour vous dire vous êtes très belle sur votre photo profile merci beaucoup.

[@meganstiles7957]

I'm always saying in my head to the pitcher "I own you" and stuff like that😂😂

[@Hairstyles-ob2tl]

Omg same 😂

[@meganstiles7957]

Or like your going downn😂😂😂

[@sarahzw3693]

LOL I'm just like *I'm not thinking of anything only HIT HIT HIT HIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*

[@destineeasbury7767]

Winterwolf139 OMG same and if I get a strike I'm so mad

[@kellyschreck43]

Destinee Jae t st u st vdhrhjdvj fvfffituo ry is it t ft

[@addisonmckinney8158]

just binge watching softball tips bc I've been given the opportunity to be on a select travel team and I need to work on batting and I'm kind of freaking out

[@strawbabyjess]

Addison McKinney did u make it??

[@sydniewilson6124]

Addison McKinney you shouldnt freak out just believe in your self

[@PotatoMC1]

great advice. just... 3 months late.

[@laceylanger4715]

YES

[@lillyiglesias502]

Addison McKinney I'm on a travel team too

[@brismallwood5746]

watching this while getting ready for a game.. helped a lot! thanks!

[@evelyngonzalez4208]

Same

[@daviddixon4862]

Brooklyn and daddy

[@atndwj]

same

[@shaylacotright1255]

Lol 😂 same

[@skylerread1581]

Ya I’m getting ready for a game got to hit a home run so I am watching a lot of videos

[@jrub6110]

I love how you stress confidence, that is 90% of hitting and most of life in general. I am going to get a hit, i am going to hit the ball hard and get the most out of this at bat. Being your own hitting coach at the plate, exactly. Your 3rd base coach isn't going to help you win this battle up there. That's something every hitter should understand each and every time that they walk up to the plate. Always going to be a tough out, give nothing is what i always thought. I have played ball my entire life. Never coached. My time has past, but I am a Daddy now with two sets of twins, two 5 year old girls, and one boy and one girl that are 3. They will be players. Your words work for softball/baseball, same concept mentally. Thank you, great stuff! And watch out for the Rubalcava's in about 15 years! :)

[@firebird_spleen4190]

Amanda Scarborough not really her..

[@worldserpent731]

Confidence might help if you're a little girl who can't hit sh*t.

[@gravybones8564]

They WILL be players? Why do they get to be their own hitting coach but not their own life coach too?

[@carolineo2955]

Gravy Bones my dad forced me into softball, and i LOVE it, if he had not forced me into it i would never have tried out, or played the sport in general. i now am still playing, and still LOVE the sport, also, it is not your family, or your life to control, even if it was a bad decision, they will learn from it. I am sure this man wants his children to be happy, and if they don’t want to play they don’t have to

[@angelesskies]

@@worldserpent731 Or if you’re a little boy who can’t hit shit

[@jeffhardin8795]

Where was this girl when I was striking out everytime in Little League in the 70's.

[@livvyrae3570]

I needed some confidence because today will be the first time I’m pitching in a game even tho it’s not about pitching it still gives me confidence

[@satyris410]

the power of Positive Self Talk. thank you so much for this video, I've got so many ideas from it for sports and for studying also, Thank you again!

[@toddsalsburey3791]

I'm starting my first year as a 10U fastpitch softball coach this year. I've been asst. coaching for a few years though. I've been watching your videos from pitching to batting. Very informative I will incorp a lot of what you teach in these to my girls. Thank you for the great videos.

[@simonehowley1425]

Thankyou for sharing. I'm definitely going to be using your tips this weekend. Love your positive self talk and your swagger 😊

[@j9studt]

I'm a 55 year-old baseball player and this was the best pre-pitch batting advice I've ever heard. Tremendous explanation of how to think and act before and during an AB. Kudos!

[@sfolkner202]

I love this video it really helped me! I've been struggling with confidence in the box and this has definitely helped me out thank you so much for making this video!

[@DiaSol7]

I just wanted some softball hitting tips for on my way to the batting cages right now lol 🤷🏽‍♀️. -But this... 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 Thank you! I love your mindful approach to hitting! This was awesome, and helpful beyond the scope of practice hitting on the field. NLP for your life! Anyone would be fortunate to learn under such a wonderful coach, with this perspective and approach! 🌻👌🏽

[@222daley]

This is really helpful bc it’s my first year playing varsity

[@bbarker5766]

I love how you explain your approach. Many times as coaches it is hard to explain some things to the kids we are coaching because it always seems to trigger the "What If" syndrome that everyone seems to have. I have always tried to tell kids how I approach hitting/fielding/making plays but the hardest part is trying to get this young kid to understand there is a difference in knowing you can hit the ball and hoping you can hit the ball. It seems that they get use to a machine or a coach pitching to them but when it's another kid they forget everything you tried to teach them. They might hit great from a coach or machine but putting them in front of someone the same age group pitching they instantly loose focus on hitting and concentrate on surviving. I believe that the way you described you routine will help a lot of the kids I'm coaching in the game of softball and baseball. Thanks for doing this video!!!

[@melissaalfonso3573]

I loved this video! I saw it yesterday and it inspired me so much for my game today!

[@kerryspence2928]

Never expected to find a video about the importance of positive talk and visualization, I love it!

[@rebeccasaarinen2201]

Thanks because I'm playing fast pitch and I am a catcher too so it's a bunch to take in. You make it so simple. Thanks again!

[@brookecravescookies883]

This helps me so much! So I’m a not exactly a professional softball player (mostly because I’m only 12) but this helps me a lot! I used to get very intimidated by the other team I would be playing as, and I would always doubt myself when I would reach that bag. Not that I see this I feel like it’ll really help me so thank you so much!

[@chandikawewelwala2264]

Oh my gosh thanks so much for the vid! I feel so much more confident and i feel like i know more than just swinging a bat. Thanks ever so much!!!

[@michaelplace5806]

My daughter is a 10U player. She plays catcher, SS and pitches very well. She has a ton of confidence on defense and on the mound. She has an excellent, fundamentally sound swing but she doesn't look or act confident in the box. Very tight. After talking with her, I found out that she focuses on the things that she doesn't want to do rather than getting in there and being confident about hitting the ball hard. We have the rest of the winter to work on a routine, consistency and most of all a confident frame of mind. You nailed it with this video. Great advice!

[@myunsolicitedopinion]

yes!! confidence is key. i always feel sooo anxious before hitting and this video is so helpful. thank you so much!!

[@addib9728]

This helped my hitting a lot!!! Softball is my favorite sport

[@kerriwaldera-derosa1459]

This is going to help I'm gonna try to play softball for the first time and I'm eleven it probably won't go well but I will do everything and practice alot

[@katiekat8]

Hey, I'm twelve and I want to try out for school softball. I have never played on a team before. I have been practicing ALOT. I'm sure you'll do great.

[@CaseBatbusters]

Very good video with great detail/specifics. 

[@BrianSmith-ul9ge]

She was a blast to watch in College Station!

[@alexcorrea9835]

Very good advice. The most important thing you mentioned is taking a deep breath and relaxing before stepping into batters box. Stay postive !!:)

[@Rio0444]

i love hitting. softball is so fun .. i just stand and stare at pitcher and be like here comes a a home run..:)

[@Schudaddy55]

Great point about positive talk. I hear so many coaches telling players what NOT to swing at. I noticed players striking out, looking, after hearing the "what not to swing at" talk. Being positive and confident is contagious and builds winners. Thanks for posting this.

[@lucymarieboloron]

this bat routine helps me a lot cause I learn from it yeah and I got 3 run homerun in my last intramurals days. It makes me more competitive than I could ever thought.

[@974pb]

Great video, especially for younger girls trying to succeed! For a sport that continually puts a players self-esteem on the line, coaches, players and parents need to remember that the game is more than just getting a hit. How you present yourself and grow as a player and person, is more important than just getting a hit.

[@abbygrace7207]

Great tips Coach Amanda!! I wish I could've seen this video before on of my last games- I struck out twice and ended the game on a strikeout. :( Not good. I love the tips about staying positive- I watched this video before my last game, and I hit the ball hard through 3rd base. Thank you so much!! :) ;)

[@wspinpics9969]

Great advice! Great information to share.

[@smaines1638]

I’ve got a tournament tomorrow and this really helped thank you

[@beefythanos5558]

Confidence is key. I was at a softball game today, and I was batting. I had two strikes, (both fouls). I heard the coach saying to the pitcher something along the lines of “Make her miss!” I legit screamed in my head at the coach and took a hit at the next ball. I got a two run homerrrr

[@garypayne8651]

I like and appreciate your emphasis on the word "Don't"! Players do what they hear last, don't strike out, don't walk her, etc

[@markjpope]

This is a great video. Of course, this could also be applied to one's approach in baseball as well. The right mental approach and having a "routine" is everything as it helps to keep one loose. My coaches kept telling me baseball is 90% mental- I now realize they were right, LOL. Amanda's video helped me at age 40 to rekindle some fundamentals after I joined a Sunday men's league. I would encourage young men (and of course, women) who are just starting to play little league or high school ball to watch this.

[@oliatom-xi8uq]

hey.. I´ve played baseball sinc ten and I didnt get to play as a professional but, I notice you understand and feel the game like I do... baseball is a culture! thanks for this helpfull advices

[@vminkook297]

i am trying to become the best batter on my team and this helped a lot tysm!

[@tonysocci837]

who would give this a thumbs down.?. she has excellent advice about having an idea and a plan in the box.

[@mattspeight3535]

Thank you I really needed that information

[@gummybeardp6422]

It helped me because I'm only ten and my couch uses me as a example thank you so much!😀

[@bbnemesis123]

VISUALIZATION is the most over-looked process in hitting. You can't stress it enough about visualizing hitting the ball and WHERE to hit the ball. Excellent video.

[@bobjones3074]

Visualization is for people who can't handle pressure or don't have the natural athletic ability or smarts to just go out there and do the task

[@realrryan44]

You are a beast and explained that better then all my coaches on 6 different championships playing competitive travel teams, A.A.U. and Legion. I could watch your videos all day. If your ever in the Boston area, say hi, I'd love to play a game or just maybe a little practice or catch. I'll try and pitch to you and if you wanna step up to the big diamond, I'm actually a pitcher myself and would love to see what you got lol. Much love from Boston. Have a great holiday weekend. Ryan. Boston.

[@lillieespino8434]

great tips, love this. 👍🏻❤️

[@taylerwilson1682]

I'm trying out for JV Softball on Sunday. I'm freaking out just a little. I've never done an after school sport before, (other than the track and field team which I quit within a week). Softball is just so cool and I'm such an outsider and this is way for me to get in, but I'm afraid of looking stupid - especially in front of high schoolers and some of my friends who are lifelong softball players.

[@justanothercomment3390]

How did it go?I'm currently in the same situation haha

[@allenholston8670]

This girl KNOWS her shit!

[@worldserpent731]

yeah, knows her BS

[@SuperGamer87]

Dude, there are youngsters around. >_> Just sayin'.

[@upsidedowngaming9517]

Ummm because she plays Softball lol🤣

[@casstennesen4908]

I play 10U softball little league in NJ. I also play for a travel sooftball team called Crunch. I have never really hit the ball. I am only good because of my first base skills and because I can catch pp flies. I recently hit a pop fly deep into right field. It felt so good. I finally had confidence, sort of. I want to be able to keep hitting pop flies. All-stars is coming up and the caoch is my travel softball coach. We versed him when I hit my pop fly and thanks to that, I am almost guaranteed to make All-Stars.Also, Thanks to this video, I have greater confidence in myself to keep doing good.

[@melycanales1319]

Those are really good details to help me

[@stephensanderson9684]

❤ this lady. I coach 12u and immediately improve Pitchers from her previous videos. I have some very good hitters and some very weak hitters. Staying loose is probably my weakest hitters😊 they get so stiff. Love all my girls and just try my best to learn everything I can to help.

[@smolzen3477]

This helps me a lot 😊

[@DAVIDRIVERA51]

I'm coaching 16U Rec ball and I'm gonna use this video. Thanks!

[@Gacha.BlueGirl]

I’m hopefully starting softball soon at school so I want to improve as much as possible

[@samo5386]

Thank you so much for help

[@chapelhill1034]

Thanks 4 the video I play Rec league slow pitch coed softball many of your tips will help me the batting box is never level ppl kick dirt out of the box so when I get up 2 the mound it's a crater your standing in with slow pitch I'm not sure if they use change ups in their pitch the walk when 2 look @ the base coach totally will help😎

[@freirema5]

Funny thing is my daughter (Tori Freire) has always been a great hitter, nearly impossible to strike out, I worked with her on mechanics etc. but that confidence and staying loose she found on her own. If you watch her hitting videos on youtube, you can see her rotating the bat in her hands, moving her fingers, while at the plate and moving slightly for comfort just like Amanda shows here.

[@pavlovsdoggies]

Great vid.

[@mandyfeightner3377]

My daughter loves watching these pitching videos and batting videos so she can get. Better

[@shelbyo8838]

This is very helpful, thank you

[@beefythanos5558]

aghhhh i have to be at a tryout in an hour and i’m binge watching softball tips to make sure i’m good to go

[@technicaldjremix258]

I'm now a national pitcher . All bcoz of ur educational videos on pitching Want ❤

[@emilyvillarreal2837]

thank to this video , my batting Is so good .

[@gusargoan]

I 100% agree with you! I have taught my daughter that the first pitch is likely the best pitch you will see. Last summer season (2017) she went 26 of 52 for a batting average of .500. She finished her junior high school year (2018) with a BA of .459. Both seasons she put the ball in play over 90% of the time, hitting the first or second pitch. I honestly hate it when coaches tell the girls to watch the first pitch, because I have to tell my daughter to ignore them if you can hit it. If you can hit the ball, then hit the ball!

[@harolddenton6031]

Good dna. I have Scarborough blooines going back to Virginia in mid 1600's. One of my dujer/ duggar great grandfathers married into the Scarborough of surry county,va

[@jimf9909]

Love coach Amanda

[@gaillapaz5618]

Good advice

[@ashlynn1853]

I’m only watching this because I had my first practice today I’ve played before btw 😂 but I just get very tense and like pressured so I’m trying to watch theses videos to help me because the team I am on is knowns as one of the best teams and isnt known for losing and usually goes to tournament undefeated so I really have to work hard

[@sophiedatu4398]

ahh,Oh my god!! I feel pressured tomorrow coz I have a game, I feel like I will get tense to the point of forcing myself to bat that ended up getting S.O. How am I suppose to to do? Can someone advice me.

[@neomatalks6968]

Good luck! And don't be nervous just stay positive and confident about yourself!

[@xxDimitriOwnzzzxx]

Datu Sophie the first thing I can tell you is, don't put pressure on yourself before your game.. Don't talk yourself into a bad at bat. Batting is 90 percent mental, the physical part comes natural with your batting Pratice routine.. If you analyze your good, and bad at bats you will trends in your swing, Weight Shift, batters count approach, Etc..

[@elanspencer1563]

go to maximumbatspeed channel, that will help!

[@kimberlyadams772]

Same!!

[@jthompson851]

Great video and inspirational for young girls. Any videos of lead foot positioning when batting/swinging? Our batting coach says my daughter is "opening up" to much. Thanks in advance.

[@gracielasandt4142]

And for adults too. I am new to softball and wow! I have so much to learn. Excellent video. Thanks.

[@kaafaaraa6037]

Well done. Thank you for this.

[@sauerja]

All of what you do and say here seems like such common sense stuff - funny how easy it is as a coach to forget to tell my girls to do this. I'm going to show them this video. Good stuff!

[@Pitcherstee]

Nice video

[@jorgeubeda2210]

Exelente, ayuda a muchas chicas a animarse por el sotf ball.

[@crazybannanalover9845]

thanks

[@lexc8707]

One thing that helped me a lot was saying in my head. Not now, not yet, not yet, now!. Then hit the ball( unless Its a bad pitch)

[@sarahkeating8850]

this helped me a lot! thatnksss!

[@columbusohio72]

I've been watching a few videos to get some tips for my recreational softball league. This is a pretty good tutorial. Amanda you need to coach me.

[@mikegonzalez3913]

Amazing communicator

[@DialloKreed]

awesome!

[@gachagirl6469]

Your so positive and strong and helpfull

[@tommyburton1567]

I rilly like your video and I rilly needed help with hitting that rilly helped me out

[@Kellietruj]

Another trick that my AA coach told me (it also helped me hit harder and more accurately) when swigging the bat the bottom of it has to be aligned with the ball. When you think about aligning the two together the ball just goes on its own. I hope this was not to complicated. If you guys have further questions ask me them on my insta @kellie.truj i will be glad to answer them!

[@kirstiespeakman8829]

thanks for tje advice do you mind if i use this

[@norahtop1103]

When I bat for my first time I was like I’m never going to hit the ball and at two games I hit the crap out of that ball 🥎

[@oleajt]

Pretty good stuff

[@ghostergamez5698]

I’m starting softball tomorrow

[@bwinwright]

Positive self talk and visualization is, indeed, powerful stuff and the key to great hitting. However, the best time to do this is on a regular daily basis, at least 1,000 mental rehearsals of perfect performances every day. This practice produces confidence. Use the Rogers Hornsby and Ted Williams philosophy with less than two strike counts which is to guess, guess, guess, and guess some more. Know precisely what how and where you are going to hit that anticipated pitch when you get it. Also rehearse NOT getting that anticipated pitch and see yourself successfully and gracefully TAKING that unwanted pitch. With two strike counts, mentally rehearse hitting anything close to being a strike back through the middle, if the pitch is over the inner half of home plate and hit it directly between your push side infielders when the pitch is over the outer half of home plate. With two strikes, think low line shot, a shot that travels parallel with the ground from point of contact. Also, to maximize you effectiveness with two strikes, learn to master the split grip used by the greatest hitters of all time..Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Nap Lajoie, and Wee Willie Keeler.

[@bmanscire]

You’re incredible!

[@Halo_creative]

I like started softball about 3 years ago and it was playing t during summer on a kinda community team..my coaches weren't really that great in teaching hitting techniques or anything tbh, and so I always tried my hardest but nothing seemed to work so I would just end up striking out every game pretty much. and now I made the schools softball team and I have a really good coach butttt my confidence in batting is at like a -2 sO iM hAvIn iSsUes😂

[@melanybautista8777]

Nice

[@kayleegolightly8328]

This is helpful because today I have a championship game

[@camelotspies]

I'm watching alot of batting vids 1. bc I suck and 2. because i'm playing for 5th grade softball and theres not enough peeps on my team so I'm gonnaa have to join a junior high school team FML

[@josiesmith6490]

How did the season go

[@nonerz]

thanks for the great little video ***** - can't wait to share it with my girls. =)

[@KEERAMVs]

Soft boll is beautiful match

[@valeriesoto6682]

I’m just starting softball but I’m literally afraid of balls so hopefully if I watch enough videos and play with my aunt I’ll get it. I’m gonna start conditioning with the school

[@valeriesoto6682]

Of course I’m not even on the team just conditioning and then they’ll do tryouts but I’m still nervouse

[@Bella.1310]

You did the two swings in the box like my hitting coach makes me do! lol

[@joanncahill4390]

I'm starting softball in May 2017

[@aracelypolanco1832]

I just give the pitcher a smile that always throws them off

[@amberrecine7614]

What should you do if the 1st and 3rd basemen are playing back but your coach says to just swing away what should you do