PITCHING Mechanics Rise Ball Drop Ball Change Up Curve Speed Control

PITCHING STYLES AND MECHANICS OF FASTPITCH SOFTBALL By: Bill Hudson I. Pitching Styles · Windmill Delivery - This is the most common pitching style used today · Slingshot - An effective style, but not used as much. Note: Beginning pitchers should try both styles and select the one she does best. II. Pitching Mechanics A. Stance · Body is upright and relaxed with spread approximately shoulder width; · Ball is in pitching hand with arms relaxed at side of body; · Cleats of power leg overlap the pitching rubber with stride foot touching rear of the rubber; · Weight is right leg (for right hander) B. Initial Move · Weight shifts to rear leg as hands are brought together for grip; · Upper body leans forward as weight shifts back to right leg; · Left (stride) leg moves forward with knee flexed; · Right (power) knee is also flexed to achieve power thrust from pitching rubber. C. Arm Swing/Body Position · As the body starts forward, the left shoulder and arm are starting to open (point to the plate) with extended pitching arm starting its revolution; · At top of the back swing, the left shoulder and left arm (glove arm) are pointing towards plate with the arm extended (not stiff); · Pitching arm pointing straight up with the right bicep close to the right ear. D. Downswing · The shoulder and hips are staring to close with the right elbow pulling in close to right hip; · Right shoulder is relaxed and a little lower than the left. · The pitching wrist is cocked and body is upright; · The left foot is starting to plant with the knee flexed and the toe pointing slightly toward third; · Right toe is starting to drag from the pitching rubber. E. Release · Left (stride) foot is planted with weight on either the ball or the inside of the foot. Left knee is still flexed; · Body is still upright · Toe is still dragging away from pitching rubber; · The shoulders and hips are almost closed · The pitching arm is coming into release area; · The arm is very close to right side with wrist snapping fast ( wrist snap should start at the rear of right leg). DO'S & DON'TS DO · Always practice good mechanics · Stretch and loosen up properly before pitching · Strengthen your fingers, wrist, and forearm for better movement on breaking pitches. · Drag the toes of the power leg · After warm up, throw 8 to 10 pitches at half speed concentrating only on rotation before you throw your breaking pitches (rise, drop, etc.) at full speed. · Realize that you may be using different brands of balls at tournaments and practice with different brands to get accustomed to changing from your league ball (Travel Teams) · Make use of your strongest muscles, your legs explode off the pitching rubber with a hard leg drive and hip snap. · Practice pitching as hard as you can as soon as you learn good mechanics. Control will come later. DON'T · Don't land with your stride foot in this position . This can cause knee and hip injury. It also usually make the pitcher fall off to the right after delivery. Stride should be . · Continue pitching if you feel a sharp pain in your elbow or shoulder. Tell the coach immediately. · Try to learn to pitch at the normal distance. Pitch into a fence or wall until you master the mechanics. · Expect to master all the breaking pitches immediately. Be patient and practice a lot. Practice rotation versus speed on these pitches. · Get upset if you are replaced in a game - we cannot be at our best at all times. There has never been a major league pitcher who has not been replaced in a game during his career.