It should be a smooth, comfortable motion that releases the balls full power. Once she can do this and come pretty close to the correct speed/line, she is ready to try it on the batters. SOFTBALL PITCHING DRILL FOR SPEED (Stacked Ball Drill) - YouTube Drill designed to help pitcher focus on drag leg and engaging thigh and core muscles during pitching motion. And often, if they do get a hold of one, its nothing more than a foul ball. They help the body to stay balanced when throwing a pitch. It will require a solid concrete wall, a piece of chalk and a tape measure. Note: Your younger girls are not going to be . Softball Pitching 107; Softball Throwing 20; Products Club or League Administrators. What is the Supplement Inositol and What are its Benefits? 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. Then do the drill two more times with moderate intensity. Go through your relaxation routine. For drop balls, the weight must be on the front foot at release. #8. Now, with two strikes, you must hit anything that is a strike, but dont panic, look at it this way in the past you were swinging at this pitch on the first strike. Find drills on hitting, pitching, defense, as well as drills for catchers. It's a function of mechanics. In order to do this drill, the pitcher should be throwing at maybe 75%. I recommend starting with a light weight (4 pound) dumbbell doing arm curls, butterflies, and wrist snaps in 10 rep sets. How To Increase Pitching Speed in Fastpitch Softball - Medium To do a plank hold, start in a push-up position. Now, extend and contract the arms in circular motions like slicing a pizza! Divide that distance into three equal parts and draw a line at what would be the 60 percent and 80 percent distances. Set up three cones in a triangle formation, with each cone about 10 feet apart. Once your pitcher can do 3 sets of 10 reps, increase the weight and start with 1 set and work up. You will be able to locate problems in the mechanics area a lot faster this way. We dont want to teach her to drive and step back on every pitch. They help stabilize pitching motion and focus on refining technique. When done correctly, each pitcher can throw 50 pitches in a very short time. In addition, many dont use their back leg by driving it forward. Use a weighted ball or medicine ball. After that, we do one I call Reach For The Sky. Repeat this drill in both directions. One of my favorite ways to beat a big hitter is to throw hard and at the hands with inside pitches. Three-pump--standing in the start position, the pitcher does her . Research shows that to significantly improve sports performance, overall athleticism and physical ability, athletes must complete training sessions in addition to playing their sport. Keep that hand parallel. First it adds some power to your release and secondly, it squares your body to the target making it easier to be more consistent. Unfortunately, many pitchers make two common mistakes that limit the speed and velocity of their pitches. It will not take long for her to figure this out, as she will catch on to this quickly. Letting the young pitcher see it is always beneficial for them. It almost has the feeling of falling back. 10+ Best Fastpitch Softball Drills & Tips In 2023 | JustBats Repeat the drill until its comfortable. I recently attended a clinic at Arizona State University that Linda Wells and her staff put on specifically for our team. A: Some basic softball pitching drills include the balance point, arm circle, toe touch, and leg kick drills. Do this on both sides until you feel limber. One thing that I believe helped me was one of those squeezer deals. Learn how elite athletes supercharge their performance by following scientifically-supported nutrition strategies. I hold my glove at a certain location and the pitch has to hit it without moving the glove. Start by pulling your shoulders down, spine straight, arms at sides and palms down. Next we throw 8 balls concentrating on arm speed. Become a better soccer player through the conditioning workouts, speed training and foot drills on STACK.com. CURVEBALLAs far as drills for a curve the most useful is having the pitcher throw from the slingshot position. This will enable you to field your position and protect you from line-drives back at you.3. By taking things one component at a time, you can focus your team in . After about 2 -4 times, the pitcher has increased the delivery distance and stretched further down/over. But once you get the basics, it will give your pitching game an edge. Arm circles are essential in any warm-up. It is important to continue keeping the wind-up at 100 percent full speed, but gently slow it down at the last moment. Now draw a line across the box dividing the zone into top and bottom halves. In fact, Ive been playing for over 10 years now! Do up to three sets, with 60 seconds rest between each set. But since it is practice, you will swing at them. In addition, many dont use their back leg by driving it forward. 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. The Power Push sits right over top of the mound, and guides the pitcher's foot as it moves forward off the mound. You dont need a pitching coach, or an expensive radar gun, to tell you if you are throwing harder than you were a few weeks ago. The forefinger (the middle one) will be along the seam and the index finger under the forefinger ( basically the same grip as the rise). I have found it is effective to throw all of your different pitches atdifferent speeds, from one pitch to the next. Fastpitch Softball Pitching Drills - Balance - Softball Spot To power workouts and games, and to ensure a strong recovery, elite athletes take care to eat properly and to hydrate before, during and after workouts and competitions. Two myfavorites came to me from Doug Gillis, US National Mens team member. If the runner wins, their team gets one point. Arm circles Arm circles are []. Remember, this game is for the players! Make sure your weight is even in both feet. 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. Make sure these two areas are correct and your pitcher will have much better control, and, in turn, will be more effective. As a coach, it is your responsibility to find that flaw and eliminate it. Result? Every coach needs new ideas to keep their players on their toes and practice interesting and fun. This pain may also be caused by a muscle imbalance. Pitching gurus, Need advice with pitching style Pitchers Beware~ a post about Being Ready. Unless something is DRASTICALLY off, you probably wont see it. Now we have a taught power line from home plate to second base, except forthe 10 feet just in front of the rubber. Practice slowly to embed the mechanics into muscle memory. Running 20 to 30 minutes three times a week will help to build a strong mind and body. The secret to an effective softball career is muscle memory, which is obtained with the constant repetition of proper mechanics used in playing the game. At first, these drills may be hard for some softball pitchers. Players build arm strength and throwing accuracy in this go-to game. PITCHING GADGETSThese drills were taken from an article written by Duffy ONeill, Pitching Coach of the Ohio Emeralds, One of my favourite gadgets is one I call the changeup glove. In reality it is an old bowling glove which locks the pitchers wrist so that she cannot snap it. Make sure that at each distance, the rotation and weight distribution is correct. Balance drills may seem difficult at first. Bend at the hips and knees to push off the mound like you would push off to. I have my pitchers pitch from approximately 20 feet, 10 balls. As far as drills for a curve the most useful is having the pitcher throw from the slingshot position. FOREARM STRENGTHHeres a tip a coach told me about quite a number of years ago. This is a really aggressive drill that needs to be more like a fast ball. But, well just keep that between you, me and the wall. "Stay Tall" | Discuss Fastpitch Softball Community Place a runner and a fielder both on third base. 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. Her landing might not be off by much and she might not be leaningmuch to compensate for it, maybe not enough to be evident from 40 feet awaywhen you are concentrating on catching the ball. Most have their weight back and, when throwing a rise, almost falling or stepping back. I went back and viewed old game tapes, Michele Smith, Susie Parra and other instructional tapes. Tip #1Attacking the HittersBy: Jocelyn ForestNew England Riptide Pitcher, National Pro Fastpitch. While it can do these things, the main job of the glove in pitching is to aim the ball. JavaScript is disabled. This drill allows you to break down each part of the pitch. Then I have them move in ten foot increments back until they are throwing from as far back as 60 feet. The speed will come as a result of the force, but focusing on speed will actually slow down your movements! 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. From the most basic game of catch to games where players are making the out, young players will learn about proper form and, eventually, how to throw with some MOJO. Softball Pitching Drills - Hands-on Guide - International Softball Come back daily for basketball training videos and drills from some of the nations top basketball programs and advice from professional coaches and trainers. Youll find the basketball workouts and drills youre looking for to take your game to the next level. If the line wavers or is non-existant, the rotation is incorrect and more rotational work is needed. To make it harder, increase the duration or use hands held ab sliders. She always has one in her hand. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'softballtutor_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-softballtutor_com-banner-1-0');KI recently attended a clinic at Arizona State University that Linda Wells and her staff put on specifically for our team. Keep a steady tempo, doing 10-15 reps. Take a few moments to stretch your arms, shoulders, pecs and traps. Concentrating on the proper position of the hand at the hip. 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.) Try very hard not to walk her.2. Thanks to Duffy ONeill for the article and the tips. The following drills can help with pitching from the stretch: Change-ups surprise or fool batters and give an edge in a game. To up the intensity, add weight to your arms or speed up each set of 10. What I found by this, is that when they do actually pitch, they do not drop their shoulders and make that swooping motion. Have 2 teams of 5 players 1 player at each infield position including catcher (but not pitcher). 3-2-1. The following 30-day challenge will correct these issues and help you generate more power and spin on your pitches. The pitcher takes a bucket of balls and moves to a point just behind pitchers rubber. SQUEEZERI have been pitching mens fastpitch now for almost 20 years. On your way around stop your left hand right above your knee. Hi, my name is Sophie and I love playing softball. Core strength is key for pitching performance. Repeat this activity, but each time, the coach moves a distance farther from the pitcher. Online statistics. Accessibility Statement. Finally we move to the regulation distance and throw 10 to 15 pitches at full speed. There is a lotof room for error. Next is stride. 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 pain is almost always due to a mechanical flaw in their motion. The process requires participants to understand and observe NCAA rules and regulations, conduct thorough research, schedule home and campus visits, network and communicate appropriately, and, for most student-athletes, engage in self-marketing. Softball pitching drill to help stay tall @elitesoftballtraining #Toti Do 10 rotations at your own pace. Keep these mistakes in mind so you can avoid . Then I bought her a pair of mid-high shoes. This will give the runner the next base. Plant your heel to balance quickly. Anything that happens after release isn't changing the pitch. Arm position should focus on reducing distance from glove to target. 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. WEIGHT BACKWe do a lot of drill work, along with pitching. However, batters today are getting smarter and better and learning to go with those outside pitches. Lets take the fast ball, the pitch you throw with your fast ball grip. Make sure the picture shows as much of the power line behind the rubber as you can get in the shot and still see the pitcher at least from the middle of the back down. Now with one strike, your zone should expand a bit. Have her practice throwing at that speed until she can consistently come down on, or very near, the 80 percent line. Then drop both of your hands and pop your wrist and the ball should go right across the plate. Every now and then, the pitchers hit Mickey on purpose. Again, the 100 percent distance will be accurate, the others are estimated distances. 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. -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. 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. In addition to off-season lacrosse workouts, youll find plenty of on-the-field drill for all lacrosse positions. 5 Things Every Parent Should Know Before Their Child Joins a Sport. As far as in and out all you can do is try different release points, the more a pitcher throws the more comfortable and accurate she will become. What I enjoy most about the sport is that its so versatile there are endless possibilities when it comes to tactics and game-play. These drills were taken from an article written by Duffy ONeill, Pitching Coach of the Ohio Emeralds. While it can do these things, the main job of the glove in pitching is to aim the ball. Learn how to execute them precisely: Balance drills are must-have for any softball pitcher. They are invaluable. PITCHER INJURIESInjuries are part of the game, but in a pitcher they are nevitable. TEMPOI like to start each pitching practice with the players playing the 3-ball game. I am certain it will work for other pitches also. The straight drop (peel drop) is released off the birdie finger and the rotation is clockwise as viewed from 3rd base. Mark that spot. This can work without a catcher, if. 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. Then you will do the windmill 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 helps with accuracy, speed and power. Keep eyes forward, head level, chest slightly raised, hips loose, hips square to batting zone. After all, most pitchers in NCAA D-III are very successful without a rise ball (though this is changing). For this drill, the pitcher should only throw to the top half of the zone. 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. But I digress. 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. The batters can sense your confidence and you have already won half the battle. Do 5-10 reps each way: forwards, backwards and side-to-side. Place three softballs about three-fourths of the way from third to home. It will increase forearm strength also. Keep leg strength in the plant leg when throwing, belly button towards catchers glove, and back facing target after the strike. Then in this position throw a minimum of 30 full-blast fastballs. Most have their weight back and, when throwing a rise, almost falling or stepping back. I went back and viewed old game tapes, Michele Smith, Susie Parra and other instructional tapes. Products. When done correctly, each pitcher can throw 50 pitches in a very short time. Remember, to give up a handful of accuracy for a pinch more speed, is NEVER a good trade. A Power Push can help greatly to assist with correcting foot position. I use an inflatable toy in pitching practice a lot. 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. . 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. These can be long toss, speed circles, triple-arm circles, etc. These drills will increase muscle memory and create consistency. The pitcher throws 8 pitches concentrating on reaching for the sky at the very top of the windmill. It will increase forearm strength also. With a runner on base, you cannot throw a pitch in the dirt. I told her all the technical stuff on power and control but she kept doing that old bowlers hook kick during her delivery. Then draw a line through the box, going from left to right, at the same height as the belt on your waist. You dont need a catcher, a coach or a radar gun to workout and tell you if youre throwing faster. Again take three to four more giant steps back, mark your line, and throw from there. Softball Pitching Drills: Accuracy, Speed, Endurance! What I found by this, is that when they do actually pitch, they do not drop their shoulders and make that swooping motion. Return to starting position each repetition should take 23 seconds. WORKOUT: (ALL PITCHES MUST BE THROWN USING THE NORMAL PITCHING ROUTINE). Also add trunk flexion/extension exercises like. Proper Pitching Stance In Little League Softball, the pitcher's pivot foot needs to be on or in contact with the pitcher's plate. Once warmed, work on locations. Pitchers need short memories. Start with a triangle stance, with the weight slightly forward on the front foot. Follow-through drills will help! Use this every time!! Next are butterflies, then wrist curls isolating just the wrist. It goes like this: This drill can be done either with a catcher or against a backstop. Toss the ball slightly higher than your head and watch for proper spin. So I told her before she would get a new pair she would have to wear the toe out of the mids. Next, measure the distance from the wall to the point of what would be the regulation throwing distance for the pitchers level of play, then subtract two feet. The harder you throw, the closer the ball will return to you without hitting the ground. Engage your abs by pulling your navel towards your spine and shoulder blades together. After 10 or 15 pitches (depending on the age of the pitcher) at full power, back up 5 feet. You know, you squeeze them with your hand to increase your grip. Weight should be directed towards the power line, as this will help with accuracy. Clubs & Leagues . 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. Windmill drills help with key fundamentals like using core muscles, arm motion follow-through and form. Throw 5 change-ups, then throw fastball-change, fastball-change. The drills should be done with some purpose. Arm extension is essential for successful pitching. Find a solid concrete or foundation brick wall; a handball court wall is ideal. For drop balls, the weight must be on the front foot at release. Shift body weight onto the balls of the feet. 5 Drills for Hitting the Outside Pitch - Coaches Insider This drill is my favorite drill and it has really helped me. Softball pitching drills are essential for success! 3 KEYS TO PITCHINGThe secret to an effective softball career is muscle memory, which is obtained with the constant repetition of proper mechanics used in playing the game. Put your palms on the ground and bend your knees at 90 degrees. (The percentage is not accurate but I will use this as an estimate for arguments sake). Slide your back down the wall until your thighs are parallel to the floor. For more lacrosse training, nutrition and gear advice from the nations top coaches and players, see our lacrosse training videos. That same fast ball can be thrown at say, 55, 45 and 40mph. To do this drill, stand with feet shoulder-width apart. When practicing the drill, stand tall and wind up. Softball message board with discussions on softball hitting, softball pitching, coaching youth softball and where you can get softball drills and softball tips. Each time, roll through the shoulders, hips, elbows and wrists. Keep both arms extended throughout the move and. Then, move on to more advanced exercises. Next, larger and smaller circles (15 secs each). These drills help players of all ages and abilities. The forefinger will peel the ball off sideways by using the seam, in effect spinning the ball. These 10 throwing drills are player favorites and youth softball coach approved. Teaching your pitcher to throw Off-Speed. Warm-ups are a must for any pitcher! cvsoftball said: If you have the room, do the long-toss drill. 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. In between each of these drills, I have the pitchers do weights with a 9 pound dumbbell. Tip #2Choosing the right pitch (Part 2 of 3 part series)By Michael CisnerosEditor, Softball Today Magazine. There is no drill. Get a demo; Features; Pricing; Tournaments; FAQs; Coaches or Team Managers. Softball Drills: Batting, Pitching, Fielding Again, dont trade accuracy for speed. Now wehave established the 40 per cent mark. 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). Try these drills to help learn change-up mechanics: Perfecting your softball pitching motion? Video tape your pitcher if you cannot see this motion and run it back slowly. Hold the position for 30-60 seconds or as long as you can keep the form. The one I use is an inflatable Mickey Mouse. Point one arm out in front. Q: What are some basic softball pitching drills? The riseball is just the opposite from the peel drop. 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. 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. Pitching from the stretch is an essential skill for all pitchers.
softball pitching drills for staying tall