Coaches Guide: How To Teach Softball Pitching - International Softball (2024)

Are you looking to teach your daughter or granddaughter how to pitch softball? It’s not as difficult as you may think. With a little patience and the right approach, anyone can learn to pitch like a pro. Here are a few tips to get you started.

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Introduction to softball pitching

As a softball coach, one of the most important things you can do is teach your pitchers how to properly pitch the ball. Proper pitching technique will not only help your pitchers be more effective, but it will also help them avoid injuries.

There are a few basic elements of pitching that all pitchers should learn. First, they need to learn how to grip the ball. Second, they need to learn how to wind up and throw the ball. Third, they need to learn how to follow through with their pitch.

Once your pitchers have mastered these basic elements, you can begin teaching them more advanced techniques, such as different types of pitches and how to control the ball. With proper instruction and practice, your pitchers will be able to develop into skilled players who can help your team win games.

The mechanics of softball pitching

In softball, as in baseball, pitchers must deliver the ball to the catcher without allowing the batter to hit it. In order to do this, pitchers must have a good understanding of the mechanics of pitching.

To throw a pitch, a pitcher first Windmills her arm around in a circular motion until her hand is above her head. At this point, she brings her arm down and back, cocking her wrist behind her head. As she brings her arm forward, she releases the ball and follows through with her arm toward home plate.

The entire pitching motion should be fluid and continuous; there should be no pauses or jerky movements. Pitchers should also keep their eyes on the catcher throughout the entire pitching motion so that they can make any necessary adjustments to their pitches.

Pitchers need to have a strong understanding of the mechanics of pitching in order to be successful at softball. By following these simple instructions, pitchers can develop the skills necessary to throw consistently accurate pitches that will baffle even the best hitters.

The grip for softball pitching

There are many different ways to grip a softball for pitching, but some of the most common grips are the four-seam grip, the two-seam grip, and the changeup grip. Many pitchers also use variations of these grips to suit their individual needs.

The four-seam grip is the most commonly used grip for softball pitching. To throw a four-seam fastball, place your index and middle fingers along the seams of the ball, with your thumb underneath the ball. This grip gives you the most control over the ball and is best for pitchers who want to throw fastballs with lots of movement.

The two-seam grip is similar to the four-seam grip, but your fingers are placed slightly off-center on the seams. This produces less spin on the ball and makes it move differently through the air. Two-seam fastballs are often used by pitchers who want to induce ground balls from hitters.

The changeup grip is one of the most important pitches in a pitcher’s repertoire. To throw a changeup, start with a four-seam or two-seam grip, then slide your middle finger off of the seam. This releases some of the spin on the ball and makes it appear slower to hitters when it’s released from your hand. Changeups are typically thrown around 10 mph slower than a pitcher’s fastball.

The windup for softball pitching


In the windup position, the pitcher stands facing the batter, her feet shoulder-width apart and her weight shifted slightly toward her back leg. Her glove arm is raised in front of her face, and her pitching arm is at her side, bent at the elbow. From this position, she brings her pitching arm up and around, keeping her glove arm in front of her face as a shield. As she does this, she steps forward with her leading foot (right foot for a right-handed pitcher, left foot for a lefty), allowing her body to rotate toward home plate. Finally, she brings her arms together in front of her chest as she releases the ball.

The delivery for softball pitching

The delivery for softball pitching is very similar to that of baseball. The biggest difference is that softball pitchers use an underhand delivery, while baseball pitchers use an overhand delivery. Both softball and baseball pitchers start with their legs shoulder-width apart, with their weight balanced on their back leg. From this position, they raise their front leg and bring their arm back in a smooth, fluid motion. As they bring their arm forward, they release the ball and follow through with their pitch.

Common pitching mistakes

One of the most common pitching mistakes is not using the Proper Pitching Grip. A four-seam fastball grip is placed across the top seams of the baseball with the index and middle finger slightly off set towards the outside of the baseball. The thumb should be underneath the baseball and placed on the opposite seam as the index finger. The little finger is placed on top of the seam that runs along side of the index finger. For a right-handed pitcher, this would be the left-handed seam.

Another common pitching mistake is not using a proper arm slot. The arm should be positioned so that when released, the pitch appears to come from behind a left handed batter for a right handed pitcher, and vice versa for a left handed pitcher. This will result in increased movement on pitches and make it more difficult for hitters to make contact.

One other common mistake is rushing your delivery. This often happens when pitchers try to throw too hard and end up losing control of their body and release point. It’s important to maintain a smooth, even tempo throughout your pitching motion to ensure accuracy and control.

Drills for softball pitching

Are you a softball pitcher looking to improve your skills? Check out these five drills that can help you throw more accurately and with more power.

Pitcher’s Circle Drill
This drill helps pitchers learn to control their body and throwing motion while working on their accuracy. Start by drawing a 10-foot diameter circle on the ground. Stand in the center of the circle, and try to pitch the ball through the air and land it inside the circle. As you get better at this, move farther away from the center of the circle until you are pitching from 10 feet away.

2K Pitching Drill
This drill is designed to help pitchers build up arm strength and stamina. Start by pitching the ball as hard as you can for two minutes straight. Then take a one-minute break, and repeat for a total of four sets. As you get stronger, you can increase the amount of time you pitch for each set.

Accuracy Drill
This drill is all about improving your accuracy as a pitcher. Start by setting up five cones in a line, spaced 10 feet apart. Pitch the ball through the air and try to hit each cone in turn. As you get better at this, increase the distance between the cones.

Bullseye Drill
This drill is similar to the Accuracy Drill, but it focuses on pitching to a smaller target. Set up five small cones or markers in a line, spaced 10 feet apart. Then pitch the ball and try to hit each cone or marker dead center. As you get better at this, increase the distance between the cones or markers.

Pitch Count Drill
This drill is designed to help pitchers learn to control their pitches and throws. Start by pitching the ball 20 times in a row without stopping. Then take a one-minute break, and repeat for a total of four sets. As you get better at this, you can increase the number of pitches per set

Coaches Guide: How To Teach Softball Pitching - International Softball (2024)
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