Girls Softball Drills – A Pitcher and a Bucket

Purpose: Teaches the sensation of keeping the pitchers weight on the back foot until the release. It helps eliminate improper weight transfer, leaping and over striding. It also forces the pitcher to develop power from her pivot foot.

Equipment: A 3 to 5 gallon plastic bucket.

Players: A pitcher and a catcher.

Field: Enough room for the pitcher and the catcher, about 40 feet.

Instruction: Have the pitcher place her stride foot on an upside down bucket and pitch without taking a step. This will have the effect of her having to keep her weight behind the release of the ball instead of allowing it to flow forward with the stride, causing overstriding. She has to keep her pivot foot on the ground and pushing up rather than out. Note: Pitching up a steep hill can also accomplish this same effect.