Focus your best on the first batter of every inning. The majority of control problems I see are directly related to 2 areas. Again take three to four more giant steps back, mark your line, and throw from there. Keep your arm out till the ball is released for extra power. Rotate outward, then inward. By taking things one component at a time, you can focus your team in . For rise balls, the weight must be on the trail foot and release must be against a firm and resistant front foot. It should be a smooth, comfortable motion that releases the balls full power. Therefore, a leaping-style pitcher musthave a strong, fast push-off Build your football workout today! Get a demo; Features; Pricing; Tournaments; FAQs; Coaches or Team Managers. An 80mph pitch is not very impressive if you cant throw it for a strike. KIOTOU Softball Spinner, Pitcher Overhand Thrower Training Aid Equipment, Suitable for Sports Practice Softballs, Perfect for Top Collegiate Programs, Official Size and Weight, Velopro Softball Training Harness | Resistance Hitting & Pitching Trainer Adds 4-7MPH of Batting Power or Pitch Velocity | Improves Swing and Pitching Mechanics | Get Instant Feedback With Each Rep, GoSports 7 ft x 7 ft Baseball & Softball Practice Hitting & Pitching Net with Bow Type Frame, Carry Bag and Strike Zone, Great for All Skill Levels, SKLZ Hitting Stick Batting Swing Trainer for Baseball and Softball, 52-Inch Baseball Trainer, Power Pod Softball Training Aid Pitching Gear Pitch Equipment Trainer, Bullwhip The Baseball or Softball Pitching Training Aid - Pitching Trainer for Improving Arm Strength & Velocity - Perfect Pitching Mechanics for Beginners & Professionals Pitcher Training Equipment. When I was a kid I threw for an hour a day after school. Windmills are great for softball pitchers looking to get better! The pain is almost always due to a mechanical flaw in their motion. The reason for this is that the pitcher is not waiting for a ball to be thrown to her. 1) From an open-hipped position (front foot toward the target/catcher), the pitcher does a snap drill, driving the back knee in to the front knee. Practice using your fingertips to develop spin. The best pitches a pitcher throws come from methodical practice designed to strengthen your pitching arm and develop your sense of timing. During this drill, the player snaps her wrist as quickly and violently as possible. If they hit these locations in the 10 pitches or less, they are done, if not, they must go to the end of the line and try again. Fastpitch Softball Pitching Tips for Beginners Part 1 | STACK Two myfavorites came to me from Doug Gillis, US National Mens team member. Then have her throw to the different lines on command. It goes like this: This drill can be done either with a catcher or against a backstop. Products. Now have the pitcherreturn to the 100 percent mark and throw from there. First it adds some power to your release and secondly, it squares your body to the target making it easier to be more consistent. This website uses cookies and third party services. Maximize your performance with workouts, drills and advice from coaches and athletes from some of the top college wrestling programs in the nation in our wrestling training video library. Keep a steady tempo, doing 10-15 reps. Take a few moments to stretch your arms, shoulders, pecs and traps. For more lacrosse training, nutrition and gear advice from the nations top coaches and players, see our lacrosse training videos. With content ranging from Abby Wambachs workout to the latest gear reviews to Real Salt Lakes speed training, theres something here for soccer players of all levels. This is a difficult task, but a necessity. Sequence the riseball mechanics and locate the position when the wrist turns over. You should be able to catch the returning ball without stepping left or right. Clubs & Leagues . The Power Push sits right over top of the mound, and guides the pitcher's foot as it moves forward off the mound. she can throw with the same motion as her fastball and still have a perceptible decrease in speed., These pitches can range from slightly offspeed to one that have almost a slowpitch arc to them. Repeat this drill in both directions. Here are some cool down drills to use post-pitching session. If the pitch is not where you want it but is still a strike, dont worry. Remember, this game is for the players! All Rights Reserved. I have been pitching mens fastpitch now for almost 20 years. Shoulder rolls are essential after softball pitching sessions. Instead of the ball facing the batter when it is at the hip, the hand should be palm up to the sky and the ball laying in the hand so if you were to stop the motion the ball would stay in the hand. Do 10 rotations at your own pace. CURVEBALLAs far as drills for a curve the most useful is having the pitcher throw from the slingshot position. Keep that hand parallel. Softball Pitching Drills For Warm Up - YouTube Try this drill. You are around 40 feet or so away and, lets face it, you have a ballcoming at your nose at 45 to 60mph. Bending the elbow: Instead of bending the elbow, keep the arm relaxed and neutral this slows down your pitch, which is the exact opposite of what you want in fastpitch softball. This will place the twine going over the exact center of the pitchers rubber. This tool is specifically meant to help your pitcher feel a good load and get a really STRONG push and glide off the rubber! She has to throw 100 to 150 pitches every night, PERIOD!! Here is a growing collection of softball drills so come back often to see what's cooking! Here is a teaching aid I have had great results with recently for the riseball. At the higher levels, the slower pitches give the hitters time to reload and crush the ball, but at the younger levels (through high school) there is nothing more entertaining than watching the big floater baffle a batter., Improper ball rotation on the pitch can be corrected with several gadgets. Softball Drills On Hitting, Pitching, Defense, Catching & Coaching While you are doing this, notice what it does to your forearm. Find a solid concrete or foundation brick wall; a handball court wall is ideal. Spread feet apart in an athletic stance. Softball Pitching Drills "Hit the Bucket" Drill Pull out first base and put a 3-4 ft wooden pole (old broomstick or shovel handle) into the base peg hole and put a bucket over the top of the stick. Softball Pitching Drills For Warm Up 52,679 views Jul 8, 2021 973 Dislike Share Save MegRem Softball 54.1K subscribers Audrey Broyles, former University of South Carolina pitcher, shows. If so, stop and reset. Rock back into each foot until you feel level. Try not to play slow stuff because that tends to slow down your workout pace. These are ladies, not weight lifters. Start with pitches right down the middle and then work the corners (inside and outside) also high and low. These pitches are not thrown from the pitching stance. #5. After that, we do one I call Reach For The Sky. Do 10 sets each leg with 1 minute rest between sets. Register Log in 1 2 3 Next May 13, 2012 #1 B BradB41 May 31, 2011 129 16 My DD made some dramatic progress this past off season. As Doug worded it to me when I first worked with him, think about most really good pitchers youve seen. The way to do this is to have the wrist turn over very late in the pitch. You know, you squeeze them with your hand to increase your grip. Good muscle memory is gained by drills, drills and more drills. Kneel on your pitching-side knee when you face home plate, while you keep your body straight. Arms up to chest level. Have her throw a pitch at 100 percent, then 60 percent, 100 percent, 80 percent, 80 percent, 60 percent, 60 percent, 100 percent, 60 percent, etc. This guide provides hands-on instructions so that pitchers of all levels can better their core strength, control, and trajectory. In between each of these drills, I have the pitchers do weights with a 9 pound dumbbell. You dont need a catcher, a coach or even a softball park to practice your pitching. Now draw a line across the box dividing the zone into top and bottom halves. As far as drills for a curve the most useful is having the pitcher throw from the slingshot position. Draw a line at that point. Rotate through the pitch delivery. You want the distance to be where the ball may or would be hit by the batter, about 1 foot in front of the plate. If she goes to either side, she was off-stride or off-balance. Then be sure to check out Championship Coach Sue Enquists other Softball Coaching Videos! 1. The top rope is the "set 'em up pitch.". I recently attended a clinic at Arizona State University that Linda Wells and her staff put on specifically for our team. Softball Practice Drills for High School + College Players | Academy You may lean off balance. This drill helps improve infielder footwork and agility. -I will drive a 16 penny nail into the dirt just behind the back tip of homeplate. After about 2 -4 times, the pitcher has increased the delivery distance and stretched further down/over. Keep both arms extended throughout the move and. Running 20 to 30 minutes three times a week will help to build a strong mind and body. The right knee stays on the ground. Accessibility Statement. Three-pump--standing in the start position, the pitcher does her . The motion of the hands going forward as the stride is being taken helps move the body forward and helps elongate the stride, but the important job here is the aiming. This drill is my favorite drill and it has really helped me. Features . But, well just keep that between you, me and the wall. Log in Find My Team. -I then stretch the twine taught to the nail in front of 2nd base and tie itoff there. #7. This will come with reps. After all these pitches have been thrown, I have the pitchers throw peel drop, roll drop, change-up, fastball and rise ball in that order to feel the difference in pitches. Repeat these steps until pitching at full power from a normal pitching distance. 7. The first mistake is pivoting on your drive/drag leg, which limits the amount of power that can be transferred from your lower body into your pitches. . Second, pitchers push the ball out of their hand, which reduces the spin applied to the ball and potential movement of the ball. Pitching from the stretch is an essential skill for all pitchers. When you watch a pitcher, a lot of times all you do is hear the slap of the glove on the thigh and think that the glove is used only as a way to make some noise, in order to perhaps distract the batter, or time the release of the ball. I feel that every pitcher has to do some sort of weight training to increase her speed. This is the most important aspect of throwing a breaking pitch. Here are some drills you can use: High-leg kick drills are key for any softball pitcher. For even more volleyball training content, check out our volleyball video library. Finally we put the whole thing together and throw 8 balls incorporating all the drills above. Keep eyes forward, head level, chest slightly raised, hips loose, hips square to batting zone. Next we throw 8 balls concentrating on arm speed. I like for the players to make a mark in the dirt for her stride on the first pitch and then try to beat her mark. Just deliver the pitch in the location called and you have done your job. Put your weight on the inside balls of your feet. Repeat this activity, but each time, the coach moves a distance farther from the pitcher. Have her practice that until she can consistently throw it to where the ball comes off the wall and lands on, or very near, the 60 percent line. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'softballtutor_com-box-4','ezslot_1',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-softballtutor_com-box-4-0');JOES LONG TOSSThe following speed drill also works for accuracy, while building arm strength. Make sure these two areas are correct and your pitcher will have much better control, and, in turn, will be more effective. Start with a triangle stance, with the weight slightly forward on the front foot. I have the pitchers throw 8-10 of these weighted balls into a net,concentrating on the spin of the ball, then move to 40 feet and throw the movement pitches. If the line looks solid, the rotation is probably correct. You may also call time out to talk to the catcher.3. Each dropped or errant throw costs that team a point the team with the least points wins. SOFTBALL PITCHING DRILL FOR SPEED (Stacked Ball Drill) One player has one ball, the other player has 2 balls. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Make sure that at each distance, the rotation and weight distribution is correct. RELATED:Squash the Bug and Other Softball Batting Tips That Dont Work. The key to this is too have the wrist turn over and propel the ball with tons of rotation. Now your one single fast ball can be disguised to look like three different pitches. Do up to three sets, with 60 seconds rest between each set. I leave the twine lying on the dirt in that straight line. Never let them see you sweat!!6. Having a thin and bright colored power line behind the pitcher will give youan exact reference point and you will see exactly where the stride footcomes down in relationship to the power line and any inconsistencies withthe feet. It is done with both feet together. When you bust a batter hard and inside it is difficult for them to get their bat head around and/or to get extended on the ball. Proper nutrition provides athletes with the energy, nutrients and hydration they need to progress in their training and perform optimally. As you bring your ball hand around toward the release point, push off the pitching rubber with your trail foot violently so it squares your body to the target. Once they bite, I continue to climb. When one of my pitchers is having a tough time getting her riseball to move, I have her go through her pitching motion in super slow motion. Throughout, keep eyes focused on a target ahead. If you are a right handed pitcher then you would face to the right of the rubber and put your knee on towel which is on the rubber. Place the pads of your fingers on the . This starter program should go for 5 to 6 months for maximum results and convert to sprint training during season. I recommend starting with a light weight (4 pound) dumbbell doing arm curls, butterflies, and wrist snaps in 10 rep sets. Hi, my name is Sophie and I love playing softball. Sue will share some great tips and softball pitching, hitting and much more! I have found it is effective to throw all of your different pitches atdifferent speeds, from one pitch to the next. Pitching gurus, Need advice with pitching style Pitchers Beware~ a post about Being Ready. The harder you throw, the closer the ball will return to you without hitting the ground. When one pitch is a different rate of speed then the last pitch and there are seldom two pitches in a row the same speed the batters have greater difficulty deciding when to swing. While it can do these things, the main job of the glove in pitching is to aim the ball. Stretch your thumb back so it is in line with your middle finger. It is the kind with sand in the bottom of it so it stays upright. We throw 10 to 15 pitches at this distance. The following drills can help with pitching from the stretch: Change-ups surprise or fool batters and give an edge in a game. When you do the wall workout, take a portable radio/tape/CD unit along and play your favorite lively paced music. Put a pile of single sheet newspapers in an area you would normally walk by the most times during the day. Set up and take your pitching stance with a ball and glove or bat. Keep legs rigid and arms relaxed. Arm circles are great after intense softball throwing drills. Many coaches and players overlook the importance the glove hand plays in the ability to control the ball when pitching. Once youve built up your conditioning, check out some of our advanced volleyball drills and mental techniques. I like to start each pitching practice with the players playing the 3-ball game. When throwing a riseball or a peel drop (straight dropball) the pitcher and catcher should see a solid line as the ball flies toward the target. This has increased velocity, improved mechanics, etc. For more foundational drill videos, advanced drills, power Then in this position throw a minimum of 30 full-blast fastballs. SQUEEZERI have been pitching mens fastpitch now for almost 20 years. A Power Push can help greatly to assist with correcting foot position. Have the players stand at 2nd base position, SS, 3'rd base position and make throws to first base trying to hit the bucket. Home Softball Drills Softball Pitching Drills 3 Softball Pitching Drills for Accuracy! They can help ease tension in the rotator cuff, reduce soreness and give more freedom in the shoulder joint. The ball must have counter-clockwise rotation as viewed from 3rd base. These drills will increase muscle memory and create consistency. Register Log in 1 2 3 6 Next Mar 2, 2020 #1 T Texas McE Oct 11, 2019 38 8 Please help. Softball Skills and Training Softball Pitching Staying "tall" Stxdad Nov 9, 2020 Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web. At STACK, youll not only get football-specific conditioning workouts, youll also find strength and power workouts from pros. Video tape your pitcher if you cannot see this motion and run it back slowly. Well-rounded programs also include Sports Psychology training. Extend your glove side leg while dragging the toe of your throwing side leg. For even more softball training, check out softball video library. And often, if they do get a hold of one, its nothing more than a foul ball. Fastpitch Softball Pitching Drills - Balance - Softball Spot In addition to following a healthy diet, athletes must pay particular attention to gaining muscle and losing fat, which together improve athletic performance. Then move back to the last sucessful toss and toss 3 more. If you are catching the pitcher, having that bright colored twine powerline, going from home plate to 10 feet in front of the rubber, will make itmuch easier to tell if the pitcher is off the power line without distractingyou from the ball coming at you. Softball Catcher Drills Professional Guide. This drill helps improve control and accuracy by teaching. I am certain it will work for other pitches also. Basketball is a fast-paced sport that requires explosive strength, top speed, agility and fine-tuned on-court skills. It will require a solid concrete wall, a piece of chalk and a tape measure. And that is OK; by hitting bad pitches in practice you slowly figure out that hitting short pitches allows you to drive the ball back through the middle, that in addition to hitting outside deep pitches to right field you can use an inside-out swing to hit inside short pitches down that line as well, or that flat pitches are easy to hit into the corner down the left field line. After warming up with 3 ball we go directly to the tempo drills. In fact, Ive been playing for over 10 years now! One, use what I call the ever increasing strike zone: with no strikes on you, decide to hit a pitch only if it is in a specific zone for me it is chest high in front of the plate and if the ball is there, hit it, and more importantly if it isnt there, dont swing. LONG TOSSThis drill can be done either with a catcher or against a backstop. It will not take long for her to figure this out, as she will catch on to this quickly. Squash the Bug and Other Softball Batting Tips That Dont Work, Fastpitch Softball Pitching Tips for Beginners, Fun Basketball Drills That Improve Court Skills, The New Procedure Thats Revolutionizing ACL Surgery and Recovery, The Responsibilities of Parents in College Athletics Recruiting. When done correctly, each pitcher can throw 50 pitches in a very short time. Draw a strike zone on the wall with chalk, the strike zone representing the pitchers height. You can use PVC pipe, batting tees, or even hooks on a wall to fashion the ropes to your liking. Softball message board with discussions on softball hitting, softball pitching, coaching youth softball and where you can get softball drills and softball tips. Then I like to climb the ladder, meaning, throw the next pitch slightly higher than the one before. These pitches are not thrown from the pitching stance. cvsoftball said: While doing this, emphasize the proper weight distribution. Push through with elbow joint until full extension is achieved and snap your wrist down for whip action. Finish up with 5 fastballs on the corners. They are invaluable. To work on movement pitches, I have my pitchers stand in a line a short distance from me in a power position (stride taken) and softly toss the ball using the proper rotation for peel drop, roll drop, and rise ball. Spin and velocity are the lifeblood of a softball pitcher. Once you have become consistent at doing that, then work on throwing harder. The front upper arm should be close to the chest, with the elbow bent outward. . They are walk-ins, meaning that they are thrown while walking into the pitch.