A duck snort is a softly hit ball. It goes over the infielders and lands in the outfield for a base hit.
History of Duck Snort Term
Initially, the term for a duck snort is duck fart. However, it wasn’t family-friendly, so White Sox broadcaster Hawk Harrelson changed it to duck snort. He started using the term, and it got popular since then.
How to Avoid Duck Snort
To help the outfielders retire a runner, you should avoid a softly hit ball. To prevent it, here are some tips you can follow:
Keep the bat as close to your body as long as possible. This makes sense. Because if you keep the bat away from your body a bit early, and when the time comes that the ball makes contact with the bat, your swing will not be as hard or powerful. Hence, there is a good chance it will end up in a duck snort.
Use your legs when hitting the ball. This means you have to keep your legs firm but not in a way that you will not be able to move easily. When hitting the ball, you also have to rotate. So, it would help if you bend your legs but still keep a firm stance. Also, it is best if you have your back leg standing on its toe for better rotation.
Another tip for using your legs to your advantage is keeping a balanced stance. Stand with your feet that are shoulder-width apart. Once you swing, you should keep that balance to not lose your power when you swing your bat and hit the ball.
Always think about the ball. Seeing the ball, how it is being held by the pitcher, focusing on it while it travels towards you – everything about the ball should be where your head is. If you focus on seeing the ball, you can anticipate when to swing and give the most powerful contact you can give.
Practice batting daily. The only way to avoid a duck snort and other softly hit balls is to always practice. Whenever you practice, you will understand yourself more and know more techniques to make a better hit.