Softball Pitching - 5 Important Pitching Keys

By Marc Dagenais

One of best softball pitching secrets and techniques is the ability to put together the three pitching keys of the game which are: Preparation, Relaxation, Confidence, Muscle Control, and Style. There are five very simple keys point to effective softball pitching in both practice and tournaments.

The first softball pitching key is PREPARATION - To become a master pitcher, you will have to prepare a lot. And by preparing we mean constant practicing which includes dynamic warm-ups, 75-150 ball pitches a day, hitting locations, running rotations, game mechanics mastery (rules, guidelines, pitching techniques and styles etc.), and long tosses. Remember to practice with the normal pitching style first before going on to the more complicated pitching styles and techniques. Dynamic warm-ups are a must before any training or game.

The second softball pitching key is RELAXATION - It is vital to relax both the mind and body before doing any pitch. Relaxation helps control blood flow and body movements meaning that if one is relaxed and not in a stressed or tensed state, he or she is more likely to deliver very hard-to-hit pitches. A tip in getting into a relaxed state amidst competitions is to hum or sing a song (music therapy for sports) or perhaps just simple breathing exercises before making the pitch will work. The important thing is to find what calms you down.

The third softball pitching key is CONFIDENCE - Nothing beats a confident and positive softball pitcher. It is widely believed that if a softball hitter senses the confidence of a softball pitcher, the pitcher has already won half of the battle. So be confident with your self and what you can do. That will greatly increase your throwing power, pitching stance, and focus.

The fourth softball pitching key is MUSCLE CONTROL - Muscle control does not simply mean being all out powerful and pitching does not only mean throwing a ball. These two aspects are so important in softball that these two must completely amalgamate with each other every single time. Muscle control is a difficult skill to master when pitching because it involves the player's total body discipline and knowledge to learn and exhibit control of the various body parts and stances used in pitching such as the proper way to angle the arm, the right amount of force to put into each pitch for it to not be hit by the softball hitter, and the balance needed to deliver an extremely hard to hit softball pitch. One can help practice and master muscle control through stretching exercises, proper dynamic-warm ups before games and practices, and of course, proper cool-down exercises after games. One will most definitely increase his or her pitching skills with muscle control.

The fifth softball pitching key is STYLE - Softball pitching in itself is a very difficult skill and role to master and excel at. It involves a lot from the player such as the right mental attitude, adequate physical prowess, and skill. But, one must definitely find the right and best suitable softball pitching style if he or she wants to become significantly better at his game...

There are a lot of pitching styles and techniques being used today. Some of them are the two fingers, the scissors, and the three fingers. These styles are extremely varied and may take up a lot of time to master. But the good thing is it is only recommended to have around three pitching styles although some really great softball pitchers may have and use around six softball pitching styles. The point here is to find what softball pitching style suits you best to help you excel and perform a lot better.

Try to infuse your every game and practice with these 5 very important softball pitching tips and keys. They will increase your entire softball performance most especially in pitching.

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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