Beginning Softball Pitching Drills

A softball pitch is taught by breaking good mechanics down into steps.softball image by Steve Brase from Fotolia.com

A softball pitcher may have to throw a ball fast, accurately or aggressively, and often times all three at once. According to Cheri Kemf, author of “The Softball Pitching Edge,” softball pitching is a contradictory action, requiring both violence and precision. To achieve this, a complex skill set is required. Repeated practice through specific pitching drills help to improve the pitcher’s skills for a longer, more successful pitching career.

Grip

If the pitcher can’t grip the ball correctly, she certainly won’t be able to throw it. An improper grip also prevents her from coordinating her upper body with her lower body for proper throwing mechanics. Have the pitcher grip the ball so that the knuckle of each finger and the thumb are located on the seam. She may experiment with different hand positions, as long as she remembers to keep the knuckles on or across the seam. Her first drill should consist of throwing the ball repetitively into a net using different grip positions. The coach should ensure that each pitch spins, maintains its path and speed according to the grip applied. The pitcher must perform throws with different grips many times to become familiar with how the ball will react according to her mechanics.

In fastpitch softball, both of the pitcher’s feet must be in contact with the rubber at the start of the throw. The foot of the drive leg may not leave the ground at any point during the pitch. Both legs must remain within two perpendicular lines that make a square around the rubber 24 inches wide. Because this line is not drawn for the pitcher, it may be useful to mark it for her until she is used to the boundaries. A fast softball pitch is an aggressive movement, and to perform it with the feet together is awkward. Tell the pitcher to stagger her feet, placing the heel of the front foot at the front edge of the rubber. The toe of the back foot will be at the back edge of the rubber. In the first lower body drill, have her hold this stance for a 60 seconds, step her feet back together and repeat.

Corrections are best made one at a time. A pitcher’s upper body is her most important asset. Learning to coordinate the upper body with the lower can be a huge leap for a beginner, so it is best to first isolate and focus on the upper body. Have the pitcher kneel on her dominant knee. Point out the mechanics of the arm circle, follow through and upper body posture. Have her pitch at a large target, such as a net, where accuracy is of little concern. According to Kemf, “It is impossible to make form adjustments and control the ball at the same time”. When her form has improved, give her a specific target to pitch at until she hits it 10 to 15 times. As she becomes more accurate, make the target smaller. When she can consistently hit the smaller target with good mechanics, have her work on her speed and power. All pitches should be performed from a kneeling position so that she may focus on upper body mechanics.

To practice stride and drive moves with the lower body, have the pitcher omit the arm circle completely from her throw. If the pitcher has an incredible amount of trouble coordinating her legs with her upper body, omit the ball entirely from the throw and focus solely on the hips and legs. According to Kemf, the ball will always take the pitcher’s attention if she is allowed to perform the drill with it. First, watch how the pitcher naturally uses her lower body during a mock pitch. Correct forward posture by putting the ball in her hand and letting her see that this reduces the speed of the pitch. Likewise, correct backward posture by showing her that her pitch lands above the strike zone. When her posture appears consistent, have her combine the arm circle, throw, and follow through with the stride and drive.