Slow-pitch softball is largely a hitter's game that features long home runs and big numbers on the scoreboard, but teams that win in slow-pitch softball often have expert pitchers. Slow-pitch hurlers don't intimidate batters or have high strikeout totals. Instead, they have the ability to get the hitters off balance so they hit ground balls instead of line drives or fly outs instead of home runs.
Drive Pitch
This is one of the basic pitches. You might want to use this to get strike one or a strike when you are behind in the count. Place your thumb across the seam of the ball. Your thumb should be on top of the ball and your forefinger and middle finger should be next to each other on the bottom of the ball. Keep your thumb facing up throughout the pitch.
Late Breaker
Place your thumb across the seam of the ball and your index finger next to the left seam. Your middle finger should be next to your index finger. Move your thumb to the side of the ball so it is closer to your index finger. Make sure you have a tight grip on the ball by locking the ball in position with your ring finger and small finger. Keep your wrist straight and the ball will break at the last possible instant. If you are a right-handed pitcher, the ball will break away from a right-handed hitter and toward the left-handed batter. If you are a left-handed pitcher, it will break in the opposite direction.
Curve Ball
In slow-pitch softball, a right-hander's curve moves toward the right-handed batter. In baseball or fast-pitch softball, this pitch is called a screwball, but in slow-pitch softball, it is a curve ball. Place your thumb across the seam and place your middle finger along the seam with your forefinger next to it. Keep your wrist straight as you deliver the ball and it will curve.
Backhand Spinner
Place your four fingers on the ball with your thumb across the laces. Your fingers should be facing home plate. As you deliver the pitch toward the plate, make an abrupt snap of your wrist, creating a spin on the ball. Unless the batter hits the ball perfectly, this spin will drive the ball directly into the ground and your infield should be able to make a play.
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