Pitching a softball over the plate and into the strike zone takes practice, timing and coordination. Although the motion for pitching underhand tends to comes more naturally than pitching overhand, there are still many steps to be mastered; these must become automatic before you can pitch with any accuracy. Using the wrong mechanics or motions can severely limit your pitching ability; to correct this, it is sometimes necessary to re-learn specific actions, practicing them until they become second nature.
Warm-ups and Exercises
Before trying to pitch, it is essential to warm up properly first. Your warm-up routine should include jogging -- to help loosen large muscles groups -- as well as stretching, particularly your throwing arm, legs, and hamstrings; stomach, legs and lower back must be included as well. Warm up your arm by starting with easy overhand throws, working up to longer distance and harder throws. End with a series of short-distance, easy underhand pitches, followed by harder underhand throws. Made Man recommends practicing "snapping" the ball -- making a quick release -- by kneeling on your left knee with your right leg extended forward and your right foot flat on the ground. Holding the softball so that the seam looks like a backwards "C," extend your arm under your right thigh and throw the ball from under your leg, remembering to cock your wrist back and then forward with a rapid, emphatic motion as you release the ball.
Presentation
You should step to the pitching rubber with your hands apart and the ball in one hand, glove on the other. This serves as a message to the batter that you have the ball and are preparing to pitch. Stand tall, with your feet far enough apart so you feel balanced; the foot on your throwing --also called your "push-off " foot -- should be at the front of the rubber; at least half of your foot must be on it. Position your fingers on the seams on the side of the "horseshoe" -- the curved part of the seams. Take a moment to visualize the path your pitch will take. Finally, touch the ball to the glove below waist level briefly for at least a full second.
Rotation
Bring the ball out of the glove and swing your arm backwards. Softball pitching instructor Gerald Warner notes that you should take your time with the backswing, if that feels most comfortable; your arm speed is important only when the ball is moving forward. As your arm swings forward, lean your body forward as well; this will automatically help shift weight from your rear leg to your push-off foot. This should help lead you into the stride, in which your glove-side foot steps forward. You should also be careful not to let your arm bend; this can cause a loss of control of your pitch.
Release and Follow-Through
As you stride and your arm comes forward, keep it straight but not stiff. Keep your head straight as well; a head tilt to the left may cause a pitch to go to the right. Whip your arm down through the last part of the rotation and release the ball when it is at the level of your hip. Do not bend over or drop your shoulder on the throwing-arm side. Once the ball has left your hand, let the arm and hand relax and move naturally; follow though so that your arm ends up straight ahead, above your waist or higher.
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