Softball pitchers have as much to do with the outcome of their sport as any player on the field. Pitching takes timing, athleticism, technique and a strong arm to be successful. Learning how to throw with control and velocity takes a lot of practice and discipline. A talented and experienced pitching coach can help teach a pitcher how to execute the craft and improve steadily in one's career.
Step 1
Build up your pitcher's arm strength. Pitching takes a lot of time in the circle. Learning how to throw with power, control and technique takes a lot of practice. The practice involves making throw after throw. Build up your arm strength specifically and your endurance to prepare to pitch. Playing catch every day will help you build up strength in your arm. In softball pitching, you are pitching from a mound that is 45 feet from home plate. Play catch with a teammate who is 80 to 100 feet away for 15 to 20 minutes every day.
Step 2
Run every other day to build strength in your legs. The base of every pitcher's operation is the ability to push off the rubber with your legs. Make sure your legs are strong enough to get the job done by running. Run two to three miles per day three times per week in the offseason and run sprints in the outfield every other day while you are in the middle of your season.
Step 3
Bring your pitching arm back to shoulder height as you prepare to deliver the ball. When you are learning to pitch, you may notice veteran pitchers with a windmill delivery in the circle. You can work up to this, but you don't need a complicated windup when you are learning. Getting your arm back to shoulder level will give you the momentum to throw with sufficient power.
Step 4
Deliver the ball toward home plate when your hand is at hip level. As you get to this position, your front foot will be planted on the ground. Use the leverage from that front foot to drive the ball toward home plate.
Step 5
Finish your pitch by driving with your back leg off the pitching rubber. This will allow you to throw the ball with power and accuracy. The pitching rubber is a tool for the pitcher to use to steady herself and allow her to pitch consistently toward the plate.
Member Comments