Pitching is the dominant factor in competitive softball. Pitchers can throw the ball at speeds exceeding 70 miles per hour from a distance of 43 feet, which is the equivalent of a baseball that is traveling at speeds greater than 90 miles per hour. In addition, pitchers can throw curves, rise balls, drop balls and more. Pitchers must know how to work the ball in and around the strike zone.
Get Ahead In The Count
Dictate the pace of the at-bat by getting ahead in the count. Pitchers who can throw a strike on the first pitch have a little margin of error in the at-bat. Instead of just reacting to the ball, the batter has to try to think like the pitcher and become a more defensive hitter. Instead of attacking the ball, hitters who are behind in the count just try to get their bat on the ball. A good pitcher takes advantage of this by giving the hitter unhittable pitches.
Work The Ball Around The Plate
Do not just pour the ball over the middle. Even if you can throw the ball at 70 miles per hour, don't keep challenging the hitter with fastballs. It's not about who throws the ball the hardest, it's about who can get batters out. If you have just thrown a fastball that is up and in, throw your next pitch at a slower pace and have it break low and away. When a batter sees a pitch coming in at a different level than the previous pitch or the previous series of pitches, hitting becomes very difficult. Change speeds and locations if you want to get the best of the hitter.
Field Your Position
Once the ball leaves your hand, you are not just a pitcher, you are the fifth infielder. You are also the infielder who is closest to the ball. Before you begin your windup, assess the game situation, and know what you are going to do if the ball comes your way. For example, if it is late in the game and there is a runner on third base, you might have to charge the plate if your opponent tries to squeeze bunt the run home. Practice fielding, and be comfortable on the pitching rubber when the ball comes your way.
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