Every pitcher on the planet want to increase there pitching speed. But if you ask them how to do it you will get an avalanche of answers.
Thus the question remains how do you pitch faster??
To answer this question lets do a simple experiment.
- Ask a pitcher in your team to make an over head throw and very slow.
- Then ask the same pitcher to make an over head throw as fast as he/she can.
It takes time and practice to master these techniques. But not to worry, the following softball pitching drills are designed to guide you in what to and what not to do to increase your speed.
Softball Pitching Drills to Increase Speed and Accuracy:
Wall Throws
The focus of this drill is to check how fast you can throw. To practice this drill the pitcher needs to stand in front of a wall and using a soft ball throw as fast as he/she can towards the wall. The pitchers should use enough power so that the ball bounces back to his/her hand.After a few pitches, the pitcher should back up a bit from the wall and continue with the drill. The pitcher should move back from the wall after every set until he/she can't put in enough power for the ball to bounce back. Once the pitcher reaches this stage, mover him/her to position where he/she started the drill.
Putting in time and effort in this drill will train the pitcher to put in more power over time.
The Walk-Up Drill
In this drill the pitcher stands a step behind the mound. The pitcher takes a step forward towards the mound to make a pitch. The step should be long and aggressive for the pitcher to extend his/her pitching range.Circle Speed Drill
This drill is to improve the pitchers arm rotation speed, leading to more powerful throws and fine speed controls. To do this drill, the pitcher takes the stride position with his legs wide apart.The pitcher will make 3 fast circle with his/her pitching arm, releasing the ball on her third rotation. To help aim the ball to the desired place, the pitcher should have his/her glove hand at shoulder height and facing the catcher.
After the pitcher gets a hang of the drill, reduce the number of rotation to one and practice a few more times.
Note: If pitcher feels any pain during this drill, they must stop immediately. Relax there shoulder before beginning again. Never Push through with pain.
The Dummy Batter Drill
This drill gives pitchers the ability to practice different pitches without injuring the batter when mastering a new pitch type. This drill is best for pitchers who have mastered the concept of pitching and are looking to improve their aim, accuracy, or try out a new pitch type.This drill involves placing a dummy batter (made out of wood or cardboard) in the batting stance. The batter should have a line in front of him which will indicate the perfect strike line.
This drill will allow pitcher practice multiple new pitching techniques with out the need for a batter and the batters will be free to practice their drills.
Distance Pitching Drill
This is one of the most important drill to develop pitching speed and accuracy. To start, the pitcher marks a line half way from the catcher and starts pitching. After every few sets, the pitcher moves back a few steps and repeats the drill. The pitcher should work his way back until he/she barely can make the throw to the catcher.At this stage, the pitcher should move forward a few steps closer to the catcher until he is half way from the catcher.
The most important part of this drill is that the pitcher provides the right amount of power, depending on how far they are standing, keeping the body mechanics and pitching techniques same.
Note: Pitching from a long distance with an overweight ball may lead to injury.
The 20-4 Pitching Drill
The main focus of this drill is pitching accuracy and control.Depending on the pitchers skills, they can start from half way or normal pitching distance from the catcher.
This drill requires pitchers to pitch 20 strikes for every 4 balls they pitch. If the pitcher gets the forth ball before getting the 20th strike, they start over.
Note: This is a repetitive pitching drill, keep in mind not to over work your pitcher.
With this we have come an end to our Softball Pitching Drills. Remember, no amount of drills or coaching can help you until you roll up your sleeves and start practicing.
Only practice can make a Softball Pitching PRO.
If you enjoyed this drills and want to learn more, go to our Softball Drills Page.
About Haseeb Kibria
Hi, My Name is Haseeb Kibria, I am a web developer by profession. Recently started blogging and online marketing along side my web developement work. Hope to hear from you all.
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