Fast-pitch softball pitching is more difficult than slow-pitch pitching because of the speed needed to deliver a pitch. The circular motion that’s used is designed to put maximum speed behind the softball, but it puts a lot of stress on the pitcher’s shoulder muscles. Instead of a simple toss like the one used in slow-pitch, players have more control over the ball’s movement once it leaves their hands. But pitching efficiently requires a lot of practice and knowledge.
Windmill Motion Balance
When you enter into the windmill motion–a 360-degree swinging motion at your side–the momentum of your swinging arm will force your body off balance. Poor balance during a pitch can lead to a wild delivery. Your balance arm will move up 90 degrees in relation to the ground, pointing toward the base, while you swing. It is important to hold the arm in tight and not let it swing out to the side, even though it feels like a natural movement. Letting the balance arm fly will reduce the power of your pitch and disrupt balance, resulting in a slower and possibly off-target pitch.
Carry Your Momentum
The key to solid pitching and high speeds is transferring momentum seamlessly from one phase of your pitching motion to the next. Any stuttering or wasted motion will cost momentum and lower overall pitch speed. Every windmill motion should start with both arms swinging hard up to the 12 o’clock position over the head, providing extra force as the ball enters its swing. To prepare the rest of your throwing motion, make sure your weight is over your driving leg. Your weight should stay on the back leg until you begin to step into the release, at which point your drive foot should push off the pitching rubber and your weight should shift to the balls of your stride foot. This will maximize your pitching power.
Pitch Delivery
A softball pitch is almost always released as the hands becomes parallel with the hip on the way down out of the windmill motion. However, if you want to throw a change-up, you have to release the pitch slightly after the ball passes the hip. Additionally, as you pitch the ball and step out with your stride leg, make sure you plant your foot slightly away from home plate, at about a 30 or 45-degree angle. If your foot lands sideways and your leg turns slightly as a result, you are likely to develop injuries in your knees, hips or ankles.
About this Author
Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the “Omaha World-Herald” and “New York Newsday.” He has spent several years working on tri-annual wedding publications as both a writer and content editor. Croswell received a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Nebraska.
