Fast-pitch softball is a competitive game that is dominated by pitching. Many games have 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 scores. Hits and runs are usually at a premium because pitchers can throw fastballs, risers, drops, curves and changeups. When learning how to pitch, understanding the basics of the position and getting a grip on the fundamentals can help a beginner become effective at her job.
Pitching Motion
Most established softball pitchers use the windmill motion to deliver the ball to the home plate. When beginners are just starting out, they should be shown how the established pitchers throw the ball but they should not use a full windmill. Instead, pitchers should concentrate on accuracy by taking the ball back to shoulder height, striding forward and then delivering the ball to home plate. This is not a complicated motion but it is one that is repeatable and a young pitcher can quickly learn to deliver it time after time and throw strikes.
Stride Leg
Windmill pitchers take a jump step with their stride leg--left for a right-handed pitcher--that helps them get momentum and also gets them a bit closer to home plate. The jump step is not advisable for beginners who are just learning. Instead, a smaller stride will help a pitcher throw with more command and control. Teaching the jump step to a beginning pitcher would likely overwhelm the young hurler. Understanding the basics and learning how to establish momentum and bring it toward home plate will help a pitcher become effective.
Field Your Position
The pitcher must become a solid fielder. The minute she releases the ball toward the plate, the pitcher becomes a fifth infielder. She is also the infielder that is closest to the ball and she will be expected to make plays on bunts, slap hits, infield dribblers and balls hit up the middle. Not only must the pitcher have excellent reactions and field the ball cleanly, she must know the situation faced by the opposing team. If there are runners on first and third, she must know that she can start a double play by throwing to the second baseman or shortstop covering second base. A young pitcher must spend at least 25 percent of her time working on fielding her position.
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