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Softball Pitching - The Special Qualities Needed

By Eileen Schmidt
Assistant Coach, University of Arkansas

When out on the recruiting trail for a long period of time, it is easy for players to start looking similar. Softball pitching requires special qualities - coaches have to provide them with great softball pitching tips

As an assistant coach, it is my job to dig through the masses and find the hidden talent or the player with the big potential.

Initially, what attracts me to a pitcher is the same thing that attracts every coach’s attention--size or skill.

Once this player catches my eye, there are certain qualities I look for them to possess. As a former catcher, I often look at a pitcher and wonder if she is someone I would like to catch.

Besides the ability she already possesses, what is her potential as a collegiate player?

Will she become a better pitcher as her college career goes on because of physical and mental maturity, coaching and practice, or has she hit her maximum potential.

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One way to determine this is to look at her mechanics.

Does she drive or hip turn to increase her speed or power?

Can she field her position, or is she just a pitcher?

For instance, I want a player that I do not have to worry about becoming a mound ornament after the pitch is thrown.

I want someone that is aggressive on bunts and holds her own in the fielding department.

It always made me more comfortable knowing that besides the corner infielders, we now had another fielding option.

After rating what kind of potential I think the pitcher possesses, I look at her work ethic.

Does that pitcher want to be on the mound, or is she there because mom, dad, or coach wants her to be.

One of the ways I determine this is to watch that pitcher constantly. In a game, it is easy to determine the work ethic she possesses, but what about in the dugout, or between games and even before games?

What is she doing, how is she acting?

The next thing that ties in with work ethic is attitude. This is a “biggie” for me.

The pitcher I always wanted to catch was the “bulldog” who showed no fear even if she was nervous or scared.

When the chips are down, I want a pitcher that does not cave-in to pressure. If she gives up a home run, I want a pitcher that can turn around and come right back at a team.

If she is getting hit consistently, or struggling mechanically, is she talking things over with her catcher and/or pitching coach between innings, or is she sitting by herself in a corner.

If the team is struggling around her, especially the catcher, does she show confidence in them, or does she get down emotionally?

One thing that contributes to attitude is leadership.

That does not mean that the pitcher has to be leading the cheers in the dugout or be vocal on the field.

But, the pitcher is the center of attention and it is easy for everyone around her to follow her lead.

Anytime you can find a strong willed pitcher out on the mound, she usually becomes an automatic leader.

It is important to note that pitching and catching is a two-way street.

It takes time to build that bond between a pitcher and catcher, especially when working with someone new. But that is where adaptability and teamwork skills come into play.

Those are two things essential to battery success.

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