Male and female fastpitch softball pitchers are able to throw the ball in at high velocity, through a combination of skill and technique. The whipping motion of the pitcher's arm combined with getting the entire body involved in the pitch is the key to fast pitches. Practicing different pitching drills to increase the speed of your pitches will help you become a more effective pitcher.
Fence Drill
The fence drill is a pitching drill that lets you put everything into your pitches, without having to worry about control. Typically, you might hold back a little when practicing power in your pitches, to try to hit the location you want. Stand 5 or 10 feet away from a chain link fence and pitch as you normally would; only don't worry about where the ball is headed. Focus on the whipping action of your arm and drive forward with your legs on each pitch.
Single Leg Push-Off Drill
The single leg push-off drill helps to develop leg power to incorporate in your pitches, and use your entire body in the pitch. Stand on the rubber as you normally would, and then lift the foot of your non-throwing side and hold it up about six-inches off the ground behind you. Bend your front leg slightly and explode off the rubber toward the plate to deliver the pitch. Practicing on one leg will increase your speed when you pitch on two.
Weighted Pitches
Throwing pitches with a weighted softball can be dangerous if proper form is not observed, but it can also strengthen your pitching muscles to help you throw faster with a regular ball. Obtain a weighted softball practice ball from your softball supply store and throw 15 to 20 pitches each practice session with your regular form.
Distance Pitches
Throwing pitches over an increasing distance strengthens your arm to help you increase pitching speed. Warm up thoroughly, and then throw a pitch and take one step back to increase the distance each time you throw another pitch. Keep going until you almost can't reach the catcher with the throw, and then take one step closer with each pitch until you are back at the regular distance. Finish with 15 to 20 full-speed pitches from regulation distance.
Wrist Snap Drills
The snap of your wrist as you release the ball can add velocity to your pitches. Practice your wrist snap while standing, by holding your arm straight down at your side and throwing the ball to the catcher using only your wrist, from 12 to 15 feet away. From a seated position, lift your non-throwing side knee up a little and slide your pitching hand underneath with a ball, so they are poking out the other side. Snap your wrist upward to toss the ball straight up into the air for about 50 repetitions.
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