Batters Positions in Batters Box

Question
I coach 10U softball and recently my girls have faced faster pitchers.  I was taught that moving farther back in the batter's box (towards the catcher) would provide more time to watch the ball and more success at making contact.  Can you tell me the best placement for my girls in the batters box facing faster pitching?  Thanks so much
Kim Fears

Answer
Yes and no. The reaction time difference is fractionally minuscule. In reality standing in the back of the batters box is an advantage to the pitcher especially if she has a good ball movement. The strike zone is called over the plate not behind it. Also standing in the back of the box makes it more likely for the batter to hit foul balls.

Its okay to stand slightly back from the center of the batters box but only if the batter is struggling with hitting the speed.

It's better to work in practice on hitting faster pitching or working on short game techniques like slapping and bunting. Good things happen when you can put the ball in play.