Pitching is the dominant factor in competitive softball. Trained pitchers can hit speeds of 70 mphr from a distance of 46 feet. The training process for many pitchers starts during early childhood years. Many communities have programs for mite players that allow them to learn the specifics of pitching and become solid pitchers when they get older.
Gripping the Softball
Young players have to learn the right grip for every pitch you throw. Mite pitchers have to learn the proper way to grip the fastball. Teach the young pitcher to place her fingers across the laces. The thumb should be on top of the ball and the forefinger and middle finger should be underneath the ball. Mite players can also put their ring finger on the ball because of the size of their hands. This grip will help the ball to rotate and get to the plate with the speed and power. In order to drill so the pitcher has the correct grip, toss the ball to her 10 times and see how fast she can grip it correctly.
Motion
The windmill motion is used by advanced pitchers in fastpitch softball. Mite pitchers are not ready to use the windmill motion, but it is important to develop a backswing with the arm before coming forward with the ball. In this drill, have pitchers bring their arms back to shoulder height before coming forward. Have the pitchers throw 10 pitchers bringing the ball back to shoulder height.
In order to develop a consistent pitching motion, hold the ball in your glove slightly below waist level. Then start your backswing by taking your pitching arm back to a point where it is parallel to the ground. Step forward with your opposite leg---left for a right-handed pitcher---about 18 to 24 inches. Then bring your arm forward and release the ball when it is about thigh height. Continue to follow through with your pitching arm until your hand is just below shoulder level.
Pitching stride
Softball pitchers quickly learn that they can throw the ball with velocity and power when they use their bodies and don't just depend on their arms and shoulders. The key is taking a stride with the front foot to get the momentum going forward. If the pitcher is right handed, she will stride with her left foot and if she is left-handed, she will step with her right foot. Place a large X on the ground in front of the pitching rubber. The pitcher's goal is to throw 10 pitches and step on the X each time while looking at the catcher's glove. Keep track of how many times the young pitcher can step on the X and try to build on that the next time she practices pitching.
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