A strong arm is one of the key components in fastpitch softball pitching, but there are other steps to being successful. Equally important are grip, approach, stance, form and your push off the pitching plate. The pitcher must study her craft and learn all the steps to pitching correctly if she wants to succeed consistently in fastpitch softball.
Stance
Take your stance on top of the pitching plate. Both feet must be within the length of the plate for a legal delivery. Stand tall and relaxed. Remove all the tension in your upper body. You may think you can throw harder by tensing your muscles, but in fact that will slow you down.
Grip
The first pitch you should master is the fastball. Grip the ball across the seams to throw a fastball with control. Your fingertips should be on top of two of the seams and the length of your fingers should spread across the other seams. Grip the ball firmly, but don't squeeze it so tightly that you lose circulation in your fingertips.
Starting the Motion; Backswing
Many pitchers will lean forward to start their motion or bring both hands high over their head. That is fine but not necessary. Rock back, staying within the length of the pitching plate, with your non-dominant leg to start the motion. At approximately the same time, swing your throwing arm backward to a level about midway up your backside. How far you bring your arm back or how fast you do it during this backswing are a matter of personal preference. You must feel comfortable with the motion and be on balance. When you bring your arm back, you will generate momentum to move forward and deliver the ball with force.
Forward Movement
Once you reach the far point of your backswing, lean forward to shift your body momentum toward the batter. That's all it will take to get the movement started toward home plate. In conjunction with the forward shift, push off against the front edge of the pitching plate to propel your body toward home plate.
Release
As your arm moves forward, release the ball when your hand reaches the level of your thigh on your throwing side. Keep your wrist back and your arm extended as you let the ball go. Keep your fingers directly behind the ball; do not let them drift to the side. This position helps keep the ball on its intended path to the batter.
Follow-Through
Relax your arm as you let the ball go, but keep it moving forward and straight as the ball leaves your hand. Do not let your arm go across your body, because this will create strain on your wrist and elbow. Complete the follow-through by bringing your arm up to a spot between your waist and biceps to keep your pitch on course with the proper velocity.
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