Line Drive Meaning in Softball

A line drive is a batted ball that travels fast and low through the air. These hits do not have much arc and move in a nearly straight horizontal path. Line drives are difficult for defenders to catch because the ball reaches them very quickly. A fielder must have fast reflexes to snag a line drive before it hits grass. A batter swings hard and sends a line drive directly over the head of the shortstop. The ball lands in the outfield before the defender can jump high enough to reach it. This type of hit is usually the result of a powerful and level swinging motion. Line drives are highly effective for reaching base safely and moving runners forward during a game. Consistent contact with the middle of the ball creates these dangerous and fast moving hits.