Softball Pitching - Repetition Pays Off During Practice

By  Danielle Penner
Head Coach - Barry University

Pitching at any level is a test of endurance, confidence and, most importantly, preparation. Many of today’s young pitchers do not understand that proper preparation involves repetition and drills that can sometimes be boring and mundane. In the long run, these same “boring and mundane” drills can make the difference between being able to pitch a perfect game and just being able to make the starting line-up.

I have received many questions about pitching from pitchers, coaches and players, but none more frequently than “What drills can I do to improve my pitcher/pitching?” Here are a few of the more effective drills.

Wrist Snaps: Wrist snaps are responsible for the type and quickness of spin (rotation of ball). They are often over looked as unimportant and minor. How many times should the ball spin for 40 feet? 40 times? 50 times? On a good day, the ball will spin no more than five times. Neglecting wrist snaps and spins will reduce the number to 2 - 3 times, resulting in weaker movement.

Knee Drill: The knee drill restricts the use of the lower body, concentrating on hand rotation, arm circle, wrist snaps, release point and follow through. A right-handed pitcher puts their right knee on the ground and their left knee at a 90 degree angle in front of her body.

When the pitching motion begins, it is important to keep the arm flowing in a complete circle, staying close to the ear and close to the hip. As the pitching arm begins its circle, the glove arm also moves up at approximately a 90 degree angle, snapping down during the pitcher’s downswing. Upon releasing the ball (at 6 o’clock if the arm circle represents a clock), the arm should follow through with the elbow facing the catcher.