Fastpitch softball is a very competitive game dominated by pitching. Many of the top pitchers in the game can throw the ball at speeds approaching 70 mph. From a distance of 46 feet, that's the equivalent of a 90 to 95 mph fastball in baseball. Additionally, pitchers throw drops, risers, curveballs and changeups, making it difficult for hitters. In order to become a dominant pitcher, you need to understand the hitter's approach in the batter's box.
Drive off the Mound
To throw the ball hard and have a chance to dominate the batter, it's not all about your arm. To throw a great fastball, you have to drive off the mound. You need to get a great push with your dominant leg. To do that, you need to use the pitching rubber as your launch point and use your hips to get all of your weight and strength behind the ball.
Work Both Sides of the Plate
The hitter is looking for a pitch in a certain spot when she comes to the plate. Most hitters prefer a strike that comes in over the middle of the plate extending to the outer half. That allows her to get her arms extended and hit the ball with maximum power. As a result, you need to work the ball around the plate when you pitch and avoid the power spots. Start off with a pitch on the inner half of the plate or even a bit inside to knock the hitter off the plate. This will give you control of the at-bat because the hitter will be thinking about stepping away from the ball and not into it. Use the outer corner, the inner corner, pitch up in the zone and throw low pitches. This will make it very difficult on the batter.
Strikeout Pitch
When you get ahead in the count, you are in a position to register a strikeout. This is when to throw your drop pitch, your riser, your changeup or your curveball. The key is to make this pitch look like a strike when it leaves your hand but by the time it gets to the plate it is not a strike. The best pitchers can force batters to swing at balls out of the zone and take pitches that are strikes. Being able to deceive the batter on the third strike will make you a very effective pitcher.
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