Softball Pitching - The Mechanics of the Fastball

Softball Pitching - The Mechanics of the Fastball
by Guest Author Michael J. Todd

Developing a good fastball is a requirement for all softball pitchers. This is the first pitch that should be learned and can be both challenging and frustrating. The best way to learn the fastball is through repeating the motion over and over again until it becomes second nature. Then, and only then, should a pitcher move on to other pitches.

Here are the mechanics of a good fastball:

1. Start off relaxed. If you start tense, you will tense throughout the pitch and it is increases the likelihood of a bad pitch.

2. Lean forward slightly and get a good push off of the rubber. It is OK to lean a little in order to get a better push off. You should stand tall before starting the windmill portion of the pitch.

3. As you begin the windmill motion, your body should open up. Your body should open towards the side of your pitching arm. Picture your body as a door. At the start of the pitch, the door is closed. As your start the windmill, the door should open up.

4. The arm windmill should be in a straight line with the catcher. Keep your arm straight during the windmill but be careful not to lock your elbow.

5. You should push off in the direction of home plate. Your stride foot should land turned at a slight angle. For a fastball down the middle, it should land on the power line. The power line is an imaginary line that extends from the middle of the pitcher's rubber to the middle of home base. For pitches on the outside or inside corner, adjust where your stride foot lands in proximity to the power line. Sometimes it helps to actually use some chalk and draw the power line for a beginning pitcher.

6. As the windmill motion reaches the release point, be sure to keep your arm tight to your body. Your body should close (remember the door analogy) as your arm gets to the release point. The ball should be released at the hip. Snap your wrist at release and continue your motion so that you have a natural follow-through.

7. Finish the pitch by sliding your push-off foot up so that it end up close to the stride foot. Get in the ready position so you will be prepared for any balls hit right back up the middle.

Learn to pitch the right way with Softball Pitching Drills.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_J._Todd


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--Derek Jeter Hurricane Batting Machine - Baseball Backyard Batting Trainer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtxZk74y1L4

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5 Softball Pitching Tips to Help Avoid Injury

5 Softball Pitching Tips to Help Avoid Injury
by Guest Author Michael J. Todd
No matter what level of pitcher you are, injury is a real possibility. Use these tips to help you avoid injuries throughout your career:

1. Keep your elbows tight to your side. There should not be much gap between your elbow and the side of your body during the windmill. In fact, your elbow will brush or almost brush the side of your body at release. If you can see daylight between your body and your elbow, you are at risk of injuring your arm and shoulder.

2. Finish the pitch. Do not stop your pitching motion as soon as the pitch leaves your hand. Finish your follow-through and allow your arm to decelerate naturally. A jarring stop right at release puts unnecessary pressure on your shoulder.

3. Stand tall. This is one you'll hear over and over again throughout your career as a pitcher, and for good reason. Not only is it difficult to consistently throw accurate pitches when leaning forward, you put yourself at added risk of injury. Leaning forward during your pitch puts strain on your back at an unnatural angle and should be avoided at all costs.

4. Take breaks and don't overdo it. It is common for a traveling softball pitcher to be asked to pitch 2 or three games in a single weekend. Couple this with poor mechanics and you put yourself at risk of a repetitive motion or strain injury. If you feel pain during your pitching motion in a game, let your coach know immediately. The same thing goes for practice...While practice makes perfect, too much practice can burn out your arm and cause you to lose speed and accuracy. Take the day before a game off or only throw a light session of practice.

5. Warm-up. Most pitchers don't like warm-up and tend to rush through it or skip it altogether. These pitchers put themselves at added risk of injury. A good warm-up prepares the muscles for the explosive motion of pitching. A good warm-up routine will include stretching, throwing and running until the muscles are warm. I've seen pitchers throw a couple pitches from halfway and say that's all they need to warm up. This is worrisome because they then move into full speed pitching from the mound without any further preparation.

Take your game to the next level at Softball Pitching Drills.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_J._Todd


-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Check out these video demos of some of the most popular baseball training products on today's market. Click below and see the Advanced Skills Tee, Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer, and the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine.

--Video of the Advanced Skills Tee is used by a college hitter during a hitting drill.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30Ti00ZaOk

--Baseball Batting Tee - The Advanced Skills Tee - Baseball Trainer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkvPoPWa7NU

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - Youth Baseball Batting Trainer - Youth Hitting Drill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dFE150AKDs

--Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer - Demo Tape Shows How the Machine Loads, and Operates During Use. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFwoJ8Vh1nU

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Batting Machine - Baseball Backyard Batting Trainer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtxZk74y1L4

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - The Backyard Basketball Goal for Baseball Players http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJBn9VS9WDI

--Youth Baseball Batting Trainer - Hitting Drill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ0JjILe73k