What I found by this, is that when they do actually pitch, they do not drop their shoulders and make that swooping motion. CURVEBALLAs far as drills for a curve the most useful is having the pitcher throw from the slingshot position. Once we have maxed out the comfortable accurate distance for the drill, I have them move to the rubber, and throw 20-50 hard pitches. Pitch a ball that crosses over the plate. Draw it all the way across the strike zone box you chalked out. That samefast ball, thrown at a different speed, from one pitch to the next, forces the batter to have to stop and decide exactly when to start her swing. Follow-through drills will help! After 10 or 15 pitches (depending on the age of the pitcher) at full power, back up 5 feet. Continue moving back and increasing the arc of the pitch until you cannot get it across the plate anymore. Extreme Catch. These pitches are not thrown from the pitching stance. The reason for this is that the pitcher is not waiting for a ball to be thrown to her. You want the distance to be from the rubber to where the batter would hit theball, usually around two feet in front of the back tip of home plate. 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. Here are two simple drills we do every day to keep weight back, have a firm front leg, drive the back leg and stay on the line of force (all in one drill). After 10 to 15 pitches from this distance, we move back to about 25 feet and throw at about 50% speed. RELATED:Squash the Bug and Other Softball Batting Tips That Dont Work. They help with timing, muscle control and add speed to a pitch. Warm-up Drills Warm-ups are a must for any pitcher! If the runner wins, their team gets one point. USING THE POWER LINE FOR FINE TUNINGIf you are working with a pitcher and you are the one catching for her, itstough to see exactly what is going on with the stride foot when it touchesdown. Have her keep throwing and backing up to the point the ball just reaches her without hitting the ground. If she is not willing to sacrifice this time and effort, find another pitcher. Do 5 sets of fastball-change.6. I told her all the technical stuff on power and control but she kept doing that old bowlers hook kick during her delivery. When I have a pitching student that I want to fine tune them, ( because ofproblems staying on the power line) here is what I do. Stand with feet apart and arms at 90-degrees. It almost has the feeling of falling back. It's good practice to have the pivot foot's arch meet the front edge of the plate so the ball of the foot can push-off. The aim is to throw with power, accuracy and consistency, while keeping good control and balance. For some pitchers, this motion is shortened and they come right out of the glove. For drop balls, the weight must be on the front foot at release. The focus of this drill is 100% power. 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. The other thing you can do is take a lot of batting practice. Wall sits are a great core strength drill to help build energy and power for softball pitching. This helps to ensure that the muscles used in pitching stay tuned and develop over time. 5 Things Every Parent Should Know Before Their Child Joins a Sport. This will give the pitcher two speeds available for anyparticular pitch. After all, most pitchers in NCAA D-III are very successful without a rise ball (though this is changing). An 80mph pitch is not very impressive if you cant throw it for a strike. First arm curls. They help stabilize pitching motion and focus on refining technique. Then be sure to check out Championship Coach Sue Enquists other Softball Coaching Videos! Therefore, a leaping-style pitcher musthave a strong, fast push-off 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. When the drill starts, the runner on third must make it to second base before the fielder can retrieve and throw all three balls to second base. Of course he was right, and I knew that intuitively. The pitcher takes a bucket of balls and moves to a point just behind pitchers rubber. Tell the pitcher to do the pitching motion again, but this time to hit the handkerchief with their pitching hand. WEIGHT BACKWe do a lot of drill work, along with pitching. Have the pitcher throw at the top half of the zone at 100 percent full speed. You will be able to locate problems in the mechanics area a lot faster this way. And often, if they do get a hold of one, its nothing more than a foul ball. To do this drill, stand with feet shoulder-width apart. A lot of pitchers get lazy, overlooking this mechanic, and then wonder what happened to their control. Start by pulling your shoulders down, spine straight, arms at sides and palms down. Drop elbows and deepen circle radius, doing this periodically during practice. Find drills on hitting, pitching, defense, as well as drills for catchers. The pitcher throws 8 pitches concentrating on reaching for the sky at the very top of the windmill. I like to start each pitching practice with the players playing the 3-ball game. Sports performance training is the physical and mental process of working toward specific athletic, performance or fitness goals through a regimented program. Before each pitch take, a deep breath, wink or do whatever is comfortable in order to get relaxed. Raise the leg in a fluid motion, as if in an actual pitch, until parallel to the ground. These drills will increase muscle memory and create consistency. Swing arms from side to side. As an example (R/H pitcher). This will get everything ready for your next practice or game! The following 30-day challenge will correct these issues and help you generate more power and spin on your pitches. The release of the ball is incorrect due to the pitcher working on the riseball, (that is another discussion for another time), and the pitcher not using her glove to aim at the target. But I digress. Check. I am certain it will work for other pitches also. They will have to depend on watching the ball travel from the pitchers hand to determine exactly how fast it iscoming. Put your palms on the ground and bend your knees at 90 degrees. Start with pitches right down the middle and then work the corners (inside and outside) also high and low. A Power Push can help greatly to assist with correcting foot position. A: Improving your pitching accuracy requires a combination of proper mechanics and practice. There are, obviously, many different approaches a pitcher can take to beat a good hitter. The stripe gives instant feedback to the player and is easy for the catcher to see and determine what rotation has been imparted to the ball. Kneel on your pitching-side knee when you face home plate, while you keep your body straight. Every pitcher has one problem in common; sometimes you need or want to practice your pitching and cant come up with anyone to catch for you. PITCHER INJURIESInjuries are part of the game, but in a pitcher they are nevitable. I have my pitchers pitch from approximately 20 feet, 10 balls. Take your time. 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. Check out more workouts and drills in our soccer training video gallery. Keep your arm relaxed and far from your body. Arm circles are great after intense softball throwing drills. This way you give yourself a better chance for success even if the pitch you choose to swing at is not necessarily a good one. 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Do not let pride stand in the way of producing a Great Athlete. Keep both arms extended throughout the move and. Log in Find My Team. Work on stepping at or beyond this mark with your stride leg. Stretch and rotate arms in both directions. You can use PVC pipe, batting tees, or even hooks on a wall to fashion the ropes to your liking. These drills help players of all ages and abilities. Then it might not be an issue. Now have the pitcherreturn to the 100 percent mark and throw from there. SQUEEZERI have been pitching mens fastpitch now for almost 20 years. But, well just keep that between you, me and the wall. I find that combining the short and long distances works on two things at the same timearm stength (speed) and accuracy. When a pitcher is experiencing soreness or pain stop immediately! They may be able to see something you cannot! Injuries are part of the game, but in a pitcher they are nevitable. Infield Throwing Drill 2 by Pete Sprenkle. When the pitcher throws at that height over the plate, the umpire should call that pitch a strike. In most cases, the pitchers are merely sliding their hand under the ball to give the proper rotation for the riseball, however, if you want a riseball that RIPS, try this. Gradually speed up until you can complete the move without hesitation or inaccuracy at full speed. In addition, many dont use their back leg by driving it forward. To make it harder, increase the duration or use hands held ab sliders. Latest sports news, for all pro sports, college sports, high school sports, and more. Pitch a ball that crosses over the plate. Imagine a line from your feet to home plate. More velocity and accuracy! WORKOUT: (ALL PITCHES MUST BE THROWN USING THE NORMAL PITCHING ROUTINE). Rotate outward, then inward. These 10 throwing drills are player favorites and youth softball coach approved. This can be done anywherein a car, bus, rain, snow, summer, winter, etc. Using this exercise really helped me in my pitching. We may occasionally review products that could generate commissions that enable the site to continue running. Set-up: make a starting point by measuring six of your own foot lengths and mark the distance. This drill can increase your strength in the hand, wrist, and especially the forearm. This guide provides hands-on instructions so that pitchers of all levels can better their core strength, control, and trajectory. The forefinger (the middle one) will be along the seam and the index finger under the forefinger ( basically the same grip as the rise). The following drills can help with pitching from the stretch: Change-ups surprise or fool batters and give an edge in a game. It will take a while to get the accuracy down. Sue will share some great tips and softball pitching, hitting and much more! You should be able to catch the returning ball without stepping left or right. This starter program should go for 5 to 6 months for maximum results and convert to sprint training during season. They allow for your body to finish the motion. 2) From the pitching plate, the pitcher repeats drill 1, but with her full motion. This tool is specifically meant to help your pitcher feel a good load and get a really STRONG push and glide off the rubber! But once you get the basics, it will give your pitching game an edge. They can help ease tension in the rotator cuff, reduce soreness and give more freedom in the shoulder joint. If you want to become a better football player, regardless of your position, youll need to develop a high level of conditioning. 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. Have the players stand at 2nd base position, SS, 3'rd base position and make throws to first base trying to hit the bucket. 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. Move both shoulders in circles: one clockwise, one counter-clockwise. If the ball hits it (which with young players is often) the ball drops straight down and does not deflect to the catcher (me). Keep your arm out till the ball is released for extra power. Now with one strike, your zone should expand a bit. Well-rounded programs also include Sports Psychology training. The one with two balls throws a pitch to the other, the receiving player must throw a pitch to the first. Of course he was right, and I knew that intuitively. If you are prepared and relaxed, you will be confident. They are invaluable. Every time you walk by, grab a sheet and wad it up, using only one hand. For added resistance, hold a weight or medicine ball in front of your chest. All Rights Reserved. Hold this position for 13 seconds. You can count on replacing Mickey about twice a season, but at about $5.00, it is a great tool! Whether you want to become a better infielder, develop your bunt technique or increase pitching power, youll find videos, articles and interviews with some of the games top minds to help you become a better player. Also in this article was a weighted ball made with 100 finishing nails (2 to 2 1/2) pounded sub-flush in the seam holes, using another nail to get them sub-flush. Measure your distance and next workout, try to beat the mark. Once the pitcher starts her push off the rubber she should concentrate on bringing the hand around with the hip and peeling the ball off the side of the hand. Engage your abs by pulling your navel towards your spine and shoulder blades together. When doing a windmill drill, focus on body position: Use these tips for successful softball pitching drills! The results have been remarkable!! I like to start low and inside with a low rise or screwball for the first strike (getting that first pitch in there for a strike is extremely important and gives you as a pitcher more room to play.) In this guide, well look at some warm-up drills for softball pitchers. Begin every spin with a four-seam fastball grip. She now has broken a bad habit and is on her way to a new pair of Nikes. I recently attended a clinic at Arizona State University that Linda Wells and her staff put on specifically for our team. The following youth softball pitching drills are designed to help players master the components of the pitch before putting the whole pitch together. Keep your form throughout. Here are some drills you can use: High-leg kick drills are key for any softball pitcher. PITCHING HOOK KICKI was having a hard time breaking a bad habit of HOOK sliding the trailing foot on my 10 year old pitcher (who happens to be my daughter). Try utilizing the striped ball in your next practice and watch the throwing errors disappear! In addition to following a healthy diet, athletes must pay particular attention to gaining muscle and losing fat, which together improve athletic performance. 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. THE WALL WORKOUTEvery pitcher has one problem in common; sometimes you need or want to practice your pitching and cant come up with anyone to catch for you. This emphasises the full arm extension. These drills were taken from an article written by Duffy ONeill, Pitching Coach of the Ohio Emeralds. The best pitches a pitcher throws come from methodical practice designed to strengthen your pitching arm and develop your sense of timing. You will both be very surprised at how much you can tell aboutthe pitchers motions when you see it from behind. The drills are for a right handed pitcher. STACK has the volleyball drills and workouts you need to take your game to the next level. This drill is my favorite drill and it has really helped me. This is OK and itwill help the pitcher, however, it seldom gives the person catching a goodpoint of reference to see EXACTLY where the foot comes down. Finally we put the whole thing together and throw 8 balls incorporating all the drills above. Again, have her throw the same pitch several times and then review the tapewith her. Pitching from the stretch is an essential skill for all pitchers. 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. Shoulder rolls are essential after softball pitching sessions. Tip #2Choosing the right pitch (Part 2 of 3 part series)By Michael CisnerosEditor, Softball Today Magazine. The majority of control problems I see are directly related to 2 areas. There are two ways to avoid doing this. Then I have them move in ten foot increments back until they are throwing from as far back as 60 feet. MOVEMENTTo 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. This helps with accuracy, speed and power. If the line wavers or is non-existant, the rotation is incorrect and more rotational work is needed. Do 5-10 riseballs, peel drops, and roll drops.4. I will use a roll of bright colored construction twine and stretch ittightly from that nail at the back tip of home plate, to the front of 2ndbase. 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. 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. Next we throw 8 balls concentrating on arm speed. First we throw 8 balls into a net concentrating on wrist snap. Research shows that to significantly improve sports performance, overall athleticism and physical ability, athletes must complete training sessions in addition to playing their sport. It is OK to take a strike; hitting the pitch just because it is a strike lowers your chances of getting a hit because the pitch was not what you were looking for. Hold one or two light medicine balls at chest level. The athletic recruiting process is a lot like dating, with college coaches/scouts and high-school student-athletes sizing each other up and searching for the right match. I got this game from ASU Head Softball Coach Linda Wells. Arm position should focus on reducing distance from glove to target. Drill correctly to boost arm strength, accuracy, power, and control. LONG TOSSThis drill can be done either with a catcher or against a backstop. That same fast ball can be thrown at say, 55, 45 and 40mph. Do this on both sides until you feel limber. 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. The keys are the same for any position, Preparation (drills and muscle memory), Confidence (knowing that you can perform any athletic task required because of your hard work and muscle memory) and Relaxation (when your have confidence in your preparation you are relaxed and can focus on the game). The ball must have counter-clockwise rotation as viewed from 3rd base. . Proper nutrition provides athletes with the energy, nutrients and hydration they need to progress in their training and perform optimally. Watch the placement of the glove, the angle of it, and the angle of the wrist. To do a plank hold, start in a push-up position. This is a really aggressive drill that needs to be more like a fast ball. Move back to 40 feet and throw 5-10 riseballs, peel drops and roll drops.5. Have the pitcher gently put on the brakes at the end of the wind-up so the ball only returns as far as the 60 percent mark. I have my pitchers pitch from approximately 20 feet, 10 balls. The following speed drill also works for accuracy, while building arm strength. Every now and then, the pitchers hit Mickey on purpose. They loosen up the shoulder area and strengthen small muscles with precise movements. MICKEY MOUSEThe only true way to get accuracy is to have the pitcher throw pitches, pitches and more pitches. Anything that happens after release isn't changing the pitch. These are ladies, not weight lifters. 2a) Same as 2, but from a pitching motion. Repeat this drill in both directions. Also add trunk flexion/extension exercises like. Start by standing with your arms down and palms inwards. Heres a tip a coach told me about quite a number of years ago. During batting practice, you will swing at hundreds of pitches, as opposed to the four that you swing at in a game. Time to cool down the arm! Running 20 to 30 minutes three times a week will help to build a strong mind and body. Once she is consistent at 60 percent, have her do the same thing and have the ball return to the 80 percent mark by again applying the brakes to the last bit of the wind-up. #6. To do a plank hold, start in a push-up position. Measure your distance and next workout, try to beat the mark. Finally we move to the regulation distance and throw 10 to 15 pitches at full speed. Even in practice, deliver each pitch from the normal pitching routine. Build your football workout today! Weight should be directed towards the power line, as this will help with accuracy. The harder you throw, the closer the ball will return to you without hitting the ground. Now, have the pitcher throw her slowest change-up several times and draw a line at an average distance where the ball comes back and hits the ground. Take deep breaths and relax your muscles. Toss the ball slightly higher than your head and watch for proper spin. Try this drill to improve follow-through accuracy and smoothness: Pitching practice done? Note: Your younger girls are not going to be . It should be a smooth, comfortable motion that releases the balls full power. To improve power and accuracy, work on your mechanics. What is the Supplement Inositol and What are its Benefits? You can adjust the size and weight of the medicine ball to your skill level. When done correctly, each pitcher can throw 50 pitches in a very short time. I leave the twine lying on the dirt in that straight line. 1. 8U, 10U, 12U Softball Drill #2: Jump-back Tee Drill The second drill is a fun softball hitting drill that I call the "Jump Back Drill." Once again, developing body awareness is the critical element for this drill. The top rope is the "set 'em up pitch.". Ok that was a bit harsh. Smooth release creates speed, height and movement for effectiveness. It is absolutely essential that pitchers understand the details and the movements making up the entire pitch instead of launching straight into learning a drop or curve ball. I place a stripe right down the middle of the ball and use them in close rotational work to insure the proper rotation is being imparted to the ball. Rewind the tape and watch it a few more times and you might also discoverthe pitcher leaning at the waist to the opposite side of the power line totry and compensate for the error and still hit reasonably close to thetarget. Use this every time!! You must finish each pitch in a ready position. This is a difficult task, but a necessity. I find that many young pitchers have their weight too far forward, even bending at the waist on delivery. Set up your top rope approximately 25 inches off the ground, and a second rope 6 inches lower. Q: What are some basic softball pitching drills? Then I have them move in ten foot increments back until they are throwing from as far back as 60 feet. Place three softballs about three-fourths of the way from third to home. Dont mean to nit-pick, but is she leaning at release, or after release? Next, take three to four giant steps back, mark your next line, do your 10 from there. With practice, they will become easier and help maximize control over velocity and accuracy. For even more volleyball training content, check out our volleyball video library. Take a piece of chalk and draw a strike zone box on the wall. Place the pads of your fingers on the . During this drill, the player snaps her wrist as quickly and violently as possible. Have the pitcher throw the same pitch several times and focus only on thelegs and especially the feet. You know, you squeeze them with your hand to increase your grip. But if youre going to go inside on a big hitter, youve GOT to make sure you get that ball INSIDE and be careful not to hang the pitch over the plate. You will definitely see itshow up from behind when you have 100% attention on her feet and the powerline. Shoulder rolls are a great start. Take your game to the next level with softball drills and workouts at STACK.com. Unfortunately, many pitchers make two common mistakes that limit the speed and velocity of their pitches. Three-pump--standing in the start position, the pitcher does her . In addition to off-season lacrosse workouts, youll find plenty of on-the-field drill for all lacrosse positions. #2. Finally I give the pitchers 10 pitches to hit 8 spots. The only way for her to do so is to properly drag her toe through the delivery. Push through with elbow joint until full extension is achieved and snap your wrist down for whip action. There is a lotof room for error. -Then I stretch the string from home plate to the next nail in front of therubber and tie them off so the twine is taught. You are using an out of date browser. You still have one more strike coming. In order to do this drill, the pitcher should be throwing at maybe 75%.
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