Slow pitch softball is played primarily in amateur and recreation leagues. Slow pitch seemingly gives batters the edge with the ball covering the distance between the pitcher's mound and home plate at reduced speed. The distance varies on age, gender and league. The objective of the pitcher is to create enough action on the ball and position it in a place that prevents that batter from striking it exactly in the hitting zone.
Step 1
Choose the type of pitch you intend on throwing. A straight pitch has no motion to the ball. Hold the ball with your index and middle finger between the narrow seam with your thumb on top of the ball point to home plate. A slider pitch curves away as as the ball comes across the plate. The middle and index fingers are positioned in the same fashion as the straight pitch with the thumb sits on the side of the ball close to the index finger. Use your ring finger and pinky to stabilize the ball. Curve balls spin in as the ball approaches the plate. Position your fingers similarly to a straight pitch but place the index finger on the right seam with the middle finger closed against it away from the left seam.
Step 2
Set your pivot foot on the ground in contact with the pitching plate. This foot must remain in contact with the plate for the duration of the pitching motion. The pitching area consists of the width of the plate and 6 feet behind the plate.
Step 3
Hold the ball in the glove in front of you. Holding it in your glove prevents the batter from seeing the pitch before you throw it. Keeping everything in front of you allows you to line the pitch up and hold the ball from the initial swing point.
Step 4
Note the batter set in the batter's box. You must deliver your pitch within five seconds of the batter being set.
Step 5
Expose the ball for at least one second in front of you, according to the USA Softball Association 2010 Rule Book.
Step 6
Step backward with the free foot while which is allowed to take more than one step in any direction during the pitching motion. Stepping backward allows space to later step forward to impart more momentum on the ball.
Step 7
Drop the glove and your pitching arm down, extending the pitching arm behind you to generate enough momentum to get the ball to the plate. Whether you pitch with your palm up or down, you must always pitch in an underhanded motion.
Step 8
Swing your arm forward as you step forward with the foot you originally stepped backwards with. Let go of the ball at the top of your swing or as otherwise desired to impart the desired movement on the ball.
Tips and Warnings
- Slow pitches must extend at least three feet off the ground but no higher than 10 to be a legal pitch. Switching pitches and travel height helps catch batters off-guard. Having to time different looks and ball trajectories increases the change of missing or hitting into an out.
Things You'll Need
- Pitcher's mitt
- Softball
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