How to Teach Softball Pitching: Tips and Techniques for Coaches and Parents (2024)

Last updated on August 27, 2023

If you’re looking to teach softball pitching, you’re in the right place. Softball pitching can be a challenging skill to learn, but with the right guidance, anyone can master it. Navigating the intricacies of the pitch requires more than just technical knowledge; it’s about understanding, patience, and fostering a passion for the game. Each player brings their unique flair and challenges, and as an instructor, unlocking their potential becomes your mission. Whether you’re a coach or a parent looking to teach your child, there are certain steps you can take to ensure success.

The Basics of the Pitching Motion

Softball pitching is a beautiful synthesis of power, technique, and rhythm, converging into an art form on the field. To truly grasp and excel in this craft, one must understand the intricate movements and sequences involved. By breaking down the pitching motion into its foundational components, we can pave the way for both novice and seasoned pitchers to achieve greater precision and prowess.

Start and Load

The initial phase serves as the bedrock of the entire pitching process. It’s about more than just positioning; it’s about mental preparation and setting the tone for what’s to come. Proper stance is pivotal, with pitchers typically beginning with their glove-side foot forward and their pitching arm at the ready. This preparatory stage is about harnessing potential energy, creating a sense of anticipation. It’s like a spring being coiled, ready to release its energy, setting the stage for the explosive action that follows.

Arm and Body Rotation

Transitioning into the Arm and Body Rotation portion, we delve into the core mechanics of the pitch. This is the kinetic heart of the process, where power meets direction. Through a combination of the arm’s circular motion and the body’s rotational force, the pitch gains its speed and trajectory. The arm’s journey from a downward-facing arc in the backswing to an upward-facing one in the front needs meticulous attention. Simultaneously, the body’s weight should shift smoothly, ensuring a seamless transition of energy. This synchronization of arm and body is crucial for achieving the desired pitch velocity and direction.

Finish and Follow Through

The culmination of the pitch is in the “Finish and Follow Through”. This isn’t just a concluding gesture; it’s the stamp of commitment and the assurance of accuracy. After releasing the ball, the importance of a fluid continuation cannot be overstated. This ensures that all the energy and intent behind the pitch are fully realized. A complete arm extension, along with the subtle yet significant wrist action, imparts the final touches of spin and direction to the ball.

Mastering the Grip and Release

One of the most important aspects of softball pitching is mastering the grip and release of the ball. Here are some tips to help you improve your technique:

Grip

• The first step in mastering the grip is to find a grip that is comfortable for you. Many pitchers prefer to grip the ball with their fingertips, while others prefer to grip it with their palm. Regardless of your preferred grip, it’s important to make sure that the ball is resting comfortably in your hand.
• Seam: The seam of the ball is an important part of your grip. As you grip the ball, make sure that the seam is facing the direction that you want the ball to spin. For example, if you want the ball to curve to the right, make sure that the seam is facing to the right.

Release

• Wrist: Your wrist plays a crucial role in the release of the ball. As you release the ball, make sure that your wrist is snapping downward. This will give the ball more spin and allow it to curve or drop as it approaches the plate.
• Elbow: Your elbow is also important in the release of the ball. As you release the ball, make sure that your elbow is pointing downward. This will help you to keep the ball low and prevent it from flying too high.

By mastering the grip and release of the ball, you’ll be able to throw more accurate and effective pitches. Practice these techniques regularly to improve your technique and become a better pitcher.

Importance of Stance and Footwork

When teaching softball pitching, one of the most crucial aspects to focus on is the pitcher’s stance and footwork. A solid foundation is essential for proper mechanics and to avoid injury. Here are some key points to keep in mind when teaching stance and footwork:

Stance

The pitcher’s stance should be balanced and comfortable, with feet shoulder-width apart. This provides a stable base for the pitcher to work from. The pitcher’s weight should be evenly distributed on both feet.

Stride Length

Stride length is the distance the pitcher steps forward with their stride foot before releasing the ball. It’s important to find the right balance between too short and too long of a stride. The stride should be long enough to generate power and momentum, but not so long that it throws off balance or causes the pitcher to over-stride.

Pivot Foot

The pivot foot is the foot that remains in contact with the pitching rubber throughout the pitch. It’s important to position the pivot foot correctly to ensure proper mechanics. The pivot foot should be on or in front of the pitching rubber, with the toes pointing towards home plate.

Footwork

Footwork is the movement of the feet during the pitching motion. Good footwork helps the pitcher generate power and maintain balance. The pitcher should start with a small step forward with their stride foot, followed by a smooth transfer of weight onto the pivot foot. The pitcher should then drive off the pivot foot and push forward with the stride foot to release the ball.

Control and Accuracy in Pitching

Control and accuracy are essential skills for any softball pitcher to master. Without control, a pitcher cannot consistently throw strikes, and without accuracy, they cannot hit their target consistently. Here are some tips to help you improve your control and accuracy when pitching:

• Focus on your mechanics: Proper mechanics are crucial for control and accuracy. Make sure you have a consistent and repeatable motion, with good balance and follow-through.
• Change targets: Practicing hitting different spots in the strike zone can help you improve your accuracy. Try aiming for the corners of the plate or different heights to challenge yourself.
• Use a smaller target: If you’re struggling with accuracy, try using a smaller target. A smaller target, like a bucket or a small cone, can help you focus on hitting a specific spot.
• Practice, practice, practice: The more you pitch, the more comfortable you will become with your mechanics and the better your control and accuracy will become. Make sure to practice regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day.
• Work on your mental game: Pitching is as much about mental toughness as it is about physical skill. Stay focused, stay positive, and trust your abilities.

Improving your control and accuracy takes time and practice, but with these tips, you can start making progress today.

Building Power and Speed

Softball pitching requires a combination of power, speed, and a longer stride to increase the pitcher’s mph. To build power and speed, focus on strength and agility training exercises for the legs, core, and upper body, such as squats, lunges, planks, and push-ups. These exercises will help the pitcher generate more power in their pitch and throw faster.

Agility training is also crucial for increasing pitching speed. Quick feet and good balance are important for pitchers to increase their speed. Incorporate ladder drills, cone drills, and plyometric exercises into your training routine to improve your agility and speed.

Another way to build power and speed is to work on your stride length. A longer stride can help increase your mph by allowing you to generate more power in your pitch. To work on your stride length, focus on your footwork and make sure you are pushing off your back foot and driving forward with your front foot.

Remember that building power and speed takes time and consistent training. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep practicing and pushing yourself, and you will see improvement over time.

Pitching Drills for Improvement

Improving your pitching skills requires a lot of practice and repetition. Here are some softball pitching drills that can help you improve your consistency and accuracy:

1. The Shadow Drill

The Shadow Drill is a great way to work on your pitching mechanics and improve your consistency. To do this drill, you’ll need a pitching rubber and a ball. Start by standing on the pitching rubber and going through your pitching motion without releasing the ball. As you go through your motion, watch your shadow to make sure that your arm and body are in the correct position. Repeat this drill several times until you feel comfortable with your pitching motion.

2. The Bucket Drill

The Bucket Drill is a fun and challenging way to work on your accuracy. To do this drill, you’ll need a bucket and a ball. Place the bucket on home plate and stand on the pitching rubber. Your goal is to throw the ball into the bucket from the pitching rubber. Start by throwing the ball softly and gradually increase your speed and distance. Keep track of how many balls you can get into the bucket and try to beat your record each time you do this drill.

3. The Knee Drill

The Knee Drill is a great way to work on your pitching mechanics and improve your consistency. To do this drill, you’ll need a pitching rubber and a ball. Start by kneeling on your back leg and going through your pitching motion without releasing the ball. As you go through your motion, focus on keeping your arm and body in the correct position. Repeat this drill several times until you feel comfortable with your pitching motion.

4. The One-Step Drill

The One-Step Drill is a great way to work on your pitching mechanics and improve your consistency. To do this drill, you’ll need a pitching rubber and a ball. Start by taking one step forward and going through your pitching motion without releasing the ball. As you go through your motion, focus on keeping your arm and body in the correct position. Repeat this drill several times until you feel comfortable with your pitching motion.

By incorporating these pitching drills into your practice routine, you’ll be able to improve your consistency and accuracy. Remember to practice these drills regularly and be patient with yourself. With time and dedication, you’ll become a better pitcher.

Safety and Injury Prevention

Softball pitching is a physically demanding activity that requires proper technique and form to avoid injury. As a coach, it is important to prioritize safety and injury prevention when teaching pitching to your players.

Warm-Up and Stretching

Before pitching, it is essential to warm-up and stretch properly. This helps to prepare the body for the physical demands of pitching and reduces the risk of injury. Encourage your players to perform dynamic stretching exercises that focus on the muscles used in pitching, such as the shoulders, arms, and legs.

Proper Technique

Teaching proper pitching technique is crucial in preventing injuries. Emphasize the importance of maintaining good posture, keeping the elbow at shoulder height, and avoiding over-rotation of the hips. Additionally, ensure that your players are using the correct grip on the ball and are not putting unnecessary strain on their hands and wrists.

Rest and Recovery

Overuse injuries are common in softball pitching, particularly in young athletes. To prevent these injuries, it is important to allow for adequate rest and recovery time. Limit the number of pitches thrown in a game or practice and ensure that your players are taking regular breaks to rest their arms.

Injury Management

Despite taking all necessary precautions, injuries can still occur. As a coach, it is important to be prepared to manage injuries when they do happen. Develop an injury management plan that includes steps for identifying and treating injuries, as well as a plan for returning to play after recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment is needed to teach softball pitching?

To teach softball pitching, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment. First and foremost, you will need a softball and a pitching rubber. You will also need a catcher’s mitt, as well as a regular glove for the pitcher. Other helpful equipment includes a pitching net, a strike zone target, and a radar gun to measure pitch speed.

What are some printable resources for softball pitching drills?

There are many printable resources available online for softball pitching drills. Some good options include the Softball Spot website, which has a variety of free drills and practice plans, as well as the Softball Excellence website, which offers a range of paid resources including eBooks and online courses.

When is the best time to start pitching lessons for softball?

The best time to start pitching lessons for softball is typically around age 8-10, although this can vary depending on the individual child’s development and interest in the sport. It’s important to start with the basics and work on building a strong foundation of pitching skills before moving on to more advanced techniques.

Hunter Tierney

Hunter Tierney is a passionate writer, loving dad, and true sports fanatic. His experience helping his two daughters through softball, in addition to playing baseball at the collegiate level, gives him a fresh perspective on all things softball. He earned his business degree from the University of Phoenix where he also took writing and journalism courses.