Variety is often the key for the best softball pitches. A powerful fastball will give you an advantage, but good hitters will be able to time this pitch and hit it hard if you don't have other pitches to go with it. A change-up and a drop pitch will help you develop into an effective big-game softball pitcher.
Fastball
This will be the primary pitch in your arsenal. The top-level softball pitchers can throw the fastball at speeds approaching 70 miles per hour, which is the equivalent of a 95-mph fastball in baseball. Grip the ball across the laces with your fingertips when you throw the fastball, drive hard with your legs to get full momentum, snap your wrist upon release and follow through with your arm to chest height after you let go of the ball.
The Change-up
This can be a devastating pitch if your fastball is effective. When you throw hard, batters have to gear themselves for the fastball. Take advantage of that by placing the ball much deeper in your hand, placing your fingers along the laces. Do not snap your wrist when you release the ball. The deeper you hold the ball, the more it will slow down. A right-hander's change-up will also go down and in towards a right-handed batter.
Drop Pitch
The drop pitch is thrown with nearly the same motion as the fastball. Place your fingers along the seams of the ball and not across them. Keep your elbow in tight to your body and stand as tall as possible. Snap the ball off your fingertips with a downward motion to create more downward spin.
Curve Ball
Hold the ball along the seams of the softball with your fingertips. This is similar to the fastball, but the fastball is held across the seams. As you drive the ball into the release position, you will twist your wrist, and that will create a spin that will send a right-handed pitcher's delivery down and away from a right-handed batter.
Rise Ball
The rise ball is considered to be the most difficult pitch to throw in softball. Hold the softball with your middle finger and ring finger at the spot where the seams are closest together. Dig your index finger into the seam. Your fingers should be on top of the ball at the release point. Try to have a lower release point than you have for the fastball, and you must flip your hand to the palm-up position upon release.
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