Pitching Mechanics
OVERVIEW
The basic pitching mechanics can be broken down into 2 major parts: the arm circle and lower-body. You may hear some instructors focusing on arm speed and arm strength (which are important), however in women's fast pitch softball, we get the majority of our power from our legs and hip closure. If someone is instructing you to bring the drag foot behind the stride foot (as if you're bowling), this is incorret. There are many ways to throw a softball "the right way" so rarely will you hear me say something is totally wrong. However, the bowling foot is an exception. Repetitive use of this incorrect motion can cause injury.
For a girl to obtain maximum speed, she must "open" her hips completely (facing 3rd baseline for righties) in the middle of the stride and "close" her hips completely at the end so she is square to the catcher. The drag foot should follow the straightest, quickest line toward the catcher so that both feet are side by side at the end of your motion.
For a girl to obtain maximum speed, she must "open" her hips completely (facing 3rd baseline for righties) in the middle of the stride and "close" her hips completely at the end so she is square to the catcher. The drag foot should follow the straightest, quickest line toward the catcher so that both feet are side by side at the end of your motion.
As for the arm circle, it is critical that your pitching arm remain as straight as possible throughout your motion until the release point. The opening and closing of the hips plays a huge role in making this possible. Think of reaching for the sky on the up-swing and reaching for the ground on the down-swing, making your circle long and loose. This will ensure optimal leverage and will minimize injury prone habits that you can subconsciously acquire in an attempt to make up for a poor arm circle.
It can be difficult for pitchers when they hear conflicting advice from coaches. Many girls have a pitching coach, a high school coach, a travel coach, maybe more, all with different views. It is important not to get frusterated. Explain to your team coaches that you are taking professional pitching lessons and that when it comes to technique, you prefer to follow your pitching coach's instruction. Most coaches will react positively toward your investment in improving yourself and the team. However, if you are getting a negative vibe, put them in contact with your pitching coach so they can communicate directly and form a healthy relationship that benefits all parties.
It can be difficult for pitchers when they hear conflicting advice from coaches. Many girls have a pitching coach, a high school coach, a travel coach, maybe more, all with different views. It is important not to get frusterated. Explain to your team coaches that you are taking professional pitching lessons and that when it comes to technique, you prefer to follow your pitching coach's instruction. Most coaches will react positively toward your investment in improving yourself and the team. However, if you are getting a negative vibe, put them in contact with your pitching coach so they can communicate directly and form a healthy relationship that benefits all parties.
GRIP
Get comfortable with the "C"
You'll hear me talking about the "C" all the time. This is the most common way you will hold the ball, across the top of the "C". Be sure to place the pads of your finger (not the tips) over the seams with your first knuckle resting comfortably on the seam. (See Fastball, Change Up, & Drop)
Two seam breaking pitches
Most breaking pitches use a 2 seam grip. For this grip, the length of the fingers lie along the seams, just to the left of the seam for righties and just to the right of the seam for lefties. (See Curve, Riser, & Screw)
PITCHING TIPS
One of the hardest things for pitchers to do consistently is throw EVERY pitch with the same arm-speed and intensity. Change-ups won’t fool anyone if you announce it by slowing down your motion. Breaking pitches won’t break if they are not thrown with speed and a tight spin. Get in the habit during practice of working hard and putting your all into every pitch so that release points are consistent and you build the endurance to throw with the same intensity in the 7th inning as you do in the 1st. In addition to old-fashioned hard work, below are some tips to help make each pitch more effective.
Fastball
Change UP
Drop/Drop-Curve
Riser
Curve
Screw
** It is important to wait until your fastball is 55+ mph before you start learning breaking pitches such as the rise, curve, or screw. These pitches are only effective when they are thrown with speed. Young girls (typically under 14) who attempt to throw breaking pitches are more susceptible to injury because their muscles have not matured enough to support the extra torque they will endure.
Change UP
Drop/Drop-Curve
Riser
Curve
Screw
** It is important to wait until your fastball is 55+ mph before you start learning breaking pitches such as the rise, curve, or screw. These pitches are only effective when they are thrown with speed. Young girls (typically under 14) who attempt to throw breaking pitches are more susceptible to injury because their muscles have not matured enough to support the extra torque they will endure.