1. History Lesson
Fastpitch softball is primarily a women's sport, although men's softball teams are also popular. Women's softball first made an appearance in 1965. The International Softball World Championships introduced the women's sport at an international level, which paved the way for women's softball teams in the Olympics and Pan-American Games. In 1976, the International Professional Softball League was formed. Despite player contracts topping out at only $3,000 a year, the league disbanded in 1980 due to financial issues. After the disappearance of the professional league, the popularity of amateur fastpitch softball took off.
2. Slow Versus Fast
Most softball players begin their career playing slowpitch softball. In slowpitch softball, the pitcher lobs the ball over home plate using an underhanded motion. Slowpitch allows young players to develop their hitting and fielding skills, because it's much easier for a batter to hit a slowpitched ball. Noncompetitive recreational teams play slowpitch, because it allows all the players to participate regardless of experience and talent. Fastpitch pitchers throw the ball using a windmill motion. The pitches travel straight across home plate without any arc, often at speeds comparable to pitches thrown by Major League players. The transition from slowpitch to fastpitch softball is most difficult for batters, pitchers and catchers.
3. The Size of the Diamond
The dimensions of the softball diamond typically depends on the players' ages and are established by individual leagues. The distance between the plates is generally 60 feet. Youth fastpitch softball pitchers should expect to have a distance of around 40 feet between the pitcher's mound and home plate. High school rules typically mandate 46 feet between the pitcher's mound and home plate.
4. Learning to Pitch
Pitchers who are transitioning into fastpitch softball should take their time to master the mechanics. Pitchers who have bad habits typically have more injuries. Don't worry about throwing fast, hard strikes until you have nearly perfected your pitching technique. There is no one specific way to throw a pitch, and often, pitching coaches disagree on techniques. However, taking the time to correctly learn a pitching technique that works for your pitching style and physique will increase your speed and accuracy while preventing repetitive injuries.
5. Getting the Bat on the Ball
Hitting a ball in fastpitch softball is significantly more difficult than in slowpitch. Becoming a proficient batter is often a matter of practice and adapting to the increased speed of the pitches. Some batters might need to adjust their stance and swing in order to give themselves enough time to make contact with the ball. Batters should develop their stance and swing by hitting slow pitches before advancing to fast pitches.
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