Pitching

In fastpitch softball, the pitcher controls the game. She controls not only her pitches, but also plays a very important role in maintaining the tempo of the game and the attitude of her teammates behind her. In fastpitch, the windmill motion is used when pitching. The following is a very basic outline of a basic windmill pitch. There are many types of pitches that can be thrown with this motion, all involving slight variations to where a pitcher keeps her weight, how she turns her wrist, etc. The main pitches thrown in fastpitch are, first, the fastball, often followed by the change-up ; an off speed pitch; the riseball; the dropball ; the curve ball; the screwball and sometimes the knuckleball . For pitching tips, visit here.

  1. 1. The pitcher should grip the ball where the laces make a horseshoe with two, three or four fingers. The smaller the pitcher's hand, the more fingers needed to control the ball.
    2. Kelly set position
  2. 2. The pitcher should rest her dominant foot on the rubber with the toes hanging slightly over.
  3. 3. The less dominant foot should be placed along the back edge of the rubber.
  4. 4. The feet should be slightly less than shoulder width apart and is key to maintain proper balance.
  5. 5. The arms should be keep at the pitcher's sides, and she should be facing the catcher.
  6. 6. Upon starting the motion, the pitcher brings the ball and glove together and lifts her back heel in the air as her weight is balanced on the power (front) leg.
  7. 7. Her arms should rock back in a backward direction as her weight is shifted onto her back leg.
    8. Kelly position2
  8. 8. To begin her drive towards the plate, she needs to have already stepped forward with her "weak foot" and pivoted on her "strong foot" off of the mound, keeping contact with the ground, as she begins to rotate her arm in a perfect circle with the glove arm pointing toward the catcher's glove.
  9. 9. The ball should be released at the hip with a strong wrist snap. This is often where the type of pitch being thrown is determined.
  10. 10. Her arm should continue in a pitching motion, bending to touch the shoulder.
  11. 11. She should end in a proper fielding position facing the catcher.

© Jenna Harris 2009