Softball Pitching 10 Basics You need to Know

Part I
1. You should throw between 300-400 pitches every week. You must practice hard. Good serious practice is what it takes to become a good fastpitch softball pitcher. Learning to windmill pitch is going to be tough but you can do it. You should build up to throwing 100 pitches every couple of days (3-4 days/week).

2. You should learn the pitching mechanics first, then work on the speed. If you have bad mechanics lots of things can go wrong. As you become more skilled in the mechanics and your motion becomes more smooth start adding more speed. At this point control or accuracy is not the most important thing, that will come with practice. Be sure to use a consistent arm speed all through the pitch. Later you will work on variations of this.

Be certain your fastpitch gloves hand is pointed at the catcher to start your windup. Keep your arm bent slightly but extended all through the pitch motion. Be sure to use your whole body, not just your arm to produce the power and speed. Use your legs to push off. Bring your hip through with your arm. Release as your hand brushes by your hip. Make certain your wrist is facing straight at the catcher.

After release let your hand follow through naturally, that may be across your body or it may be on up by your ear. Jennie Finch teaches the "hello elbow" follow through. Your arm finishes long and your elbow ends up by your ear. This is good technique because it keeps you from snapping your arm abruptly which causes injury.

For right hand pitchers your body is facing third base during the pitch and if you wear a left hand infield softball glove you will be facing first base during the pitch.

Keep watching for the remaining tips for softball pitching basics.

Just keepin' it real...