Pitching is often the top factor in winning and losing in fast-pitch softball. Pitchers throw the ball at speeds approaching 70 mph from a distance of 46 feet; baseball pitchers, by comparison, can reach more than 90 mph from 60 feet. Additionally, pitchers can throw drop pitches, rise balls and other breaking pitches to keep batters from hitting the ball hard. Becoming an effective softball pitcher requires arm strength, know-how and an ability to shut down the opponent when the game is on the line.
Step 1
Learn the windmill delivery to become an effective pitcher. This is the way fast-pitch softball pitchers deliver the ball to home plate. A windmill delivery gives you the opportunity to get all your momentum going toward home plate when you pitch and it also gives you a chance to overpower hitters.
Step 2
Develop a drop pitch to go along with your fastball. Even pitchers who can overpower the opposition with a dominating fastball must develop other pitches. A drop from a right-handed pitcher goes down and away to a right-handed batter and may be 8 to 10 mph slower than the fastball. This will allow you to fool batters, who won't know which pitch to expect.
Step 3
Move the ball around the plate. When you can command your pitches, you will have the ability to make the hitter swing at your pitch. You don't have to throw every pitch in the strike zone. When you get ahead in the count, hitters will be more anxious and will be more likely to swing at pitches out of the strike zone because they fear taking a called third strike. Take advantage of the hitter's insecurity by throwing pitches that are out of the zone when you are ahead in the count.
Step 4
Field your position. Good pitchers have to be able to jump off the mound and field their position well. Bunting is a big part of moving runners along in softball and pitchers who can field bunts and make the right plays earn their coach's confidence and may get a chance to stay in the game longer.
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