While 12-year-old softball players often play on a field that is smaller in size, the fundamentals and techniques of pitching remain the same. Despite this, youth are advised against throwing off-speed pitches, such as curves and other breaking balls, that could damage an adolescent's arm. Pitching tips range from mechanics to footwork.
Stride Leg Positioning
As your 12-year-old follows through with respect to her pitch, it is important to emphasize proper positioning of her stride leg after the release. Have your child get into a set pitching stance. From here, have her wind up and release the pitch. As soon as she lets go, have her place her stride leg at a 30- to 45-degree angle from her starting position. Make a mark in the dirt so that she can repeatedly hit this angle.
Arm Angle
While your pitcher is swinging her arm up during her windup, it is important that her arm pass up and over her head while the weight of her body is entirely on her drive leg. If her arm is correctly rotating at this point, she will reach the 12 o'clock position right as her body weight has shifted onto her driving leg. Have your player practice this fundamental by rotating her arm and shifting her weight without throwing a pitch.
Aiming
Many pitchers try to perfectly aim their pitches to throw strikes. According to Beth Keylon, owner of Eylon Randolph Fastpitch Academy, your player should not be afraid to throw the ball hard and to avoid aiming her pitches at all costs. Despite throwing the ball hard and without fear, there is a difference between throwing the ball without fear and throwing the ball with no control. Especially with runners on, your pitcher should stay focused and not get careless with her location.
Release Point
During your pitcher's windup it is important that she establish a consist and proper release point. Have your pitcher start her regular windup and throw a pitch toward home plate. Make a note of her release point. If it is directly at the hip, make a note of it and tell her to repeat that same release point. If it is in any other position, instruct her to modify her release point to be at the hip.
Member Comments