Softball is a game that is dominated by pitching. Many games played by high school, college and professional players end up with 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 scores. As a result, the training process for young pitchers begins early. Teaching the right technique, how to work the hitter and how to field the position are essential when it comes to learning how to pitch.
Proper Form
In order to pitch effectively, use your entire body and not just your arm. Start your pitch from the pitching rubber in the middle of the pitching circle. Pushing off the rubber and striding forward (with the left leg for a right-handed pitcher) is essential for getting power on your pitch. In order to accurately propel the ball to home plate, bring your pitching arm back about 12-to-18 inches from your starting position. Release the ball when you get to mid-thigh level and then follow through until your arm is approaching shoulder height.
Working the Plate
No matter how hard you throw, you must move the ball around the plate to be effective. Pitches in the middle of the plate are the easiest ones to hit. As a result, think about working the inner half, the outer half, the high part of the strike zone and the low part of the strike zone. When you get ahead in the count, you can throw pitches that are just outside the strike zone with the idea that the hitter will become anxious and may swing. Pitchers who learn to work the plate and the corners of the strike zone will have a chance to be effective even if they don't throw hard.
Fielding Your Position
Since so many softball games are low scoring, there is a premium placed on fielding in softball. That is especially true for pitchers, who have to be a fifth infielder for the defense. Pitchers must cover first base on ground balls fielder by the first baseman. They must know how to field bunts since that strategy is often employed in close games. Pitchers must also knock down and field hard hit balls up the middle. Pitchers who can field effectively will stay in the game longer and will have a chance to win more games.
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