Good pitching is perhaps the key factor in winning softball. Softball pitchers can throw the ball at speeds of 70 miles per hour and that compares with a 90-plus mph fastball thrown in baseball. Pitchers also throw risers, drops, curverballs and change-ups. As a result, many softball games are low-scoring and games tend to be won when teams score late runs. In order to pitch well, pitchers need command, control and must field their position well.
Command
Pitchers need to have command when they take to the pitching rubber. This means that they must have a variety of pitches working for them when they prepare to pitch. Nobody has all their pitches working for them in every game, but by warming up properly and concentrating on one type of pitch at a time, the pitcher has a better chance of having a good day. When warming up, throw five fastballs, five risers, five drops and five changeups. If you are having problems with any one pitch, spend extra time with your pitching coach to determine any potential mechanical steps.
Control
Control and command are two different aspects to pitching. No matter how good your fastball is or how good your command is, it won't do you any good if your control is not effective. In order to work on your control, make sure that you throw consistently on days when you are not pitching. Most pitchers need to throw at least three days per week in order to have confidence in their control. Control pitchers know that they don't have to strike out every batter. Control pitchers will throw the ball over the inside corner early in the count and will try to make batters swing at balls outside the strike zone later in the count. Get ahead early and then use your control to finish the batter and get him out.
Fielding
Since softball is a low-scoring game, playing great defense is vital to being an effective pitcher. As soon as the ball leaves the pitcher's hand, the pitcher becomes a fifth infielder. Pitchers need excellent defensive reactions and must be aware of the situation so they know where to make the play. Pitchers need to check the situation and the base runners before every pitch. Pitchers need to get in front of every ground ball they can and then make the play. Outs cannot be given away.
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