Pitching a softball faster makes it more difficult for the batter to make contact with the ball. A pitcher can make changes to her delivery to enhance the velocity of her pitches and give herself an added advantage. Velocity is determined more by pitching mechanics than genetics, so any player can make changes to her approach and see results.
Push Back on Your Stride Leg
The slab of rubber that pitchers must be touching when they release the ball provides a source of power. According to PitchSoftball.com, pitchers develop more power, and thus more velocity, when they push their stride leg against the rubber right before releasing the ball. The stride leg is the one that moves forward as the pitcher releases the ball. The website says that exploding off from the pitching rubber provides resistance for the arm's whip, and that will increase velocity. When the pitch leaves your hand, your stride leg should be as straight as possible, your upper body should be about one-third of the way back from your front foot, your shoulders should almost be closed, and your hips should be halfway closed.
Wrist Snap Drill
The Wrist Snap Drill found on Fast-Pitch.com strengthens the wrist and provides more whip when you release pitches. That stronger whip in your wrist enhances velocity. To do the drill, kneel on one knee and rest your pitching forearm on your quadriceps. After extending your hand out past your knee, grip a softball with a fastball grip and snap your wrist to throw the ball in the air. Your fingertips should push off the seams right as the ball is released. The website recommends holding your forearm down if you have trouble isolating your wrist. Aspire to throw the ball as high as you can while making sure it comes down somewhat straight.
Practice Using Weighted Balls
Practicing with a softball that weighs more than a standard ball provides long-term added performance when it comes to velocity, according to Fastpitch Softball TV's video titled "How to Use Weighted Softballs." The arm must use more power to throw a heavier ball, and when it becomes accustomed to throwing a ball that weighs more than the standard 6.2 oz., the arm exerts more power with each throw. By throwing a lighter ball with more power, you are certain to get more velocity. Fast-Pitch.com also recommends using a weighted softball for the Wrist Snap Drill, as it trains the wrist to snap harder with each toss.
Member Comments