Smart Tips on How to Increase Speed in Softball Pitching

By Marc Dagenais

Pitchers are probably the most important part in a softball team. Most of the time, the victory of the team depends upon how the pitcher has performed on the game. Pitchers win the championship and as a pitcher you must possess the necessary basic skills and the knowledge on how to go about your business on the mound. Having the knowledge and the skill and how you apply that on the game are the keys in order for one to be called a great pitcher.

Pitchers are always encouraged to finish their pitching rotation by bringing their shoulders back and having their body upright. But the speed and control in softball pitching is greatly improved by the lower body of the pitcher's body.

When you are a pitcher who uses the leaping style, the whole sequence of lower body pitching mechanics is based on powerful push-up off from the pitching rubber; a strong, fast, and long stride; and a push-back against the stride leg as the pitching arm comes down through the release point.

There are some do's and don'ts in softball pitching that every pitcher must remember in order to become a better and effective pitcher. Try to keep these in mind for they might be helpful.

Do's


Always try to make your pitching arm pass over the head (12 o'clock position) while your weight is on the drive leg.
Always try to swing arms up with the body.
Always land with your stride leg pointed between 30 and 45 degrees.
Always try to release the ball at the hip.

Don'ts


As you bring your arms up for the pitching motion, your pitching arm will make a 360 degree circle while your balance arm will go up about 90 degrees and comes back down. Do not let your balance arm swing off to the side; it will diminish the power of the hip snap.
Do not lean over as you bring your arms up because your natural 360 degrees arm circle will begin out front and cause you to let go late.
Do not land sideways in your stride leg to avoid the occurrence of knee, hip and ankle problems.
Do not release the ball out in front of the body. It should be released behind the shoulders.

Now that you already have a knowledge on how to become an effective pitcher, it is now your turn to implement it to your softball drills and trainings. Learning without implementing is useless. You must learn it well, put it your heart and apply it. This way, you will be serious in improving your softball pitching skills. With your patience and persistence, you are sure that you are on your way to that success that you have always dreaming of. Through effort and hard work I am sure that time will come that you will be one of the best pitchers in the name of softball. Just believe in yourself. But as of now, enjoy the journey. Enjoy learning and have fun in every game.

Marc Dagneais is Softball Peak Performance Coach that helps softball players turn their athletic talent into extraordinary performances and help coaches get more out of their players, turn their struggling team around or get an edge over their opponents. Visit us to access our directory of FREE softball drills!

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