As a softball player, it is basic to know how to pitch and how to go against the players and their softball bats. If you have set your heart on becoming a first class pitcher, then the steps listed below will help you out a lot.
Basic Pitching Drills
In order to be a good at anything, one must always start at the beginning. This is the same with softball; we have to start near and with the basics. The next few paragraphs will help you identify where to start.
1. Wrist Snaps
The pitcher must have her feet face 90 degrees from the catcher. Your pitching wrist must be closed off by your other hand. Then, it has to be tilted as far back as possible. Throw the ball towards the catcher using a good spin and grip of four seams.
2. X-Drill
A glove of the pitcher should point towards the catcher. Your front foot should be at an angle towards the catcher. The hips should be open in order for your feet to face the catcher. You must be able to make a direct line between your toes to the catcher. Then, you should place the ball at two o’clock and have your hand face the catcher. While doing this, be sure to have a clear view of both your glove and the ball. As you drop your glove towards your hip, release it from there and see the ball travel towards the catcher. Once you’re done with this, you have to allow your hand to follow the ball’s direction naturally. We call this opposition.
3. Circle Drill
It is the same position with the x-drill. However, it starts with you positioning the ball and the glove in front of your body. With this, it is easier for both of your hands to travel in the direction of the catcher. When the glove stops, your arm will even keep on going. Then, it will follow the opposition, a snap of the wrist by the hip, and finally, a follow through which comes naturally.
The drills are written as such because they properly build up. It is not good to do too much that is why it is recommend to only do 20 to 30 replication of every drill, four times a week.
Pitching Motion
Before moving to this, the mentioned basic drills must be mastered. This is because the fundamentals of a pitching motion must come from them.
1. Phase One
Phase 1 is only about positioning the ball in x-position. To begin with, you have to put your right foot in the rubber’s front and your left foot in the rubber’s back. You can do this if you are right handed. If you are left handed, you simply change the position of your feet. To do phase 1, be sure to hold your wrist back while your arms travel to the direction of the catcher. When you do this, your glove stops but your arm will continue on so take a step then engage in x-position.
2. X-Position
This is an important so you have to execute it properly. First, make sure that both your hips are open to have your feet at a 90-degree angle toward the catcher. This provides an unobstructed way for your arm to follow through in the direction of the catcher. For this, you should make a direct line between your toes towards the catcher.
3. Follow Through
When the ball is tucked at your hip, let your arm travel naturally towards the catcher while bringing the back foot in line with your front foot. This phase will allow you to be in a strong defense position.
A quick tip you could employ is to make a straight line on the ground. If you’re right handed, it is always a good advice to begin with your right foot For the X-position, keep both of your feet out of the line and for the follow through, use your left foot. Do the opposite if you are left handed. If do not follow the line, it is certain that you will have problems with speed, accuracy and you can acquire a problem with your shoulders.
Advanced Pitching?
It is recommended for the pitcher to have mastered the above drills listed above before moving on to anything more advance. Once the pitcher has thrown around 8 strikes, then it is time to advance.
Pitching is an art of mechanics just like how batting is an art of accuracy and strength. Even if one uses the best softball bats or the best ball and mitt practice and diligence would always pay off.
