Second, pitchers push the ball out of their hand, which reduces the spin applied to the ball and potential movement of the ball. Again, the 100 percent distance will be accurate, the others are estimated distances. After all, most pitchers in NCAA D-III are very successful without a rise ball (though this is changing). For more lacrosse training, nutrition and gear advice from the nations top coaches and players, see our lacrosse training videos. Just deliver the pitch in the location called and you have done your job. 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. 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. Drop elbows and deepen circle radius, doing this periodically during practice. We may occasionally review products that could generate commissions that enable the site to continue running. **Pro tip**: Coordinate arm circles while hopping on one foot or both feet this enhances coordination between arms/legs when producing power. Then move back to the last sucessful toss and toss 3 more. Repeat the drill until its comfortable. This is a really aggressive drill that needs to be more like a fast ball. Extend your glove side leg while dragging the toe of your throwing side leg. If you are in a game and you get tense, try playing with the dirt in the pitchers circle. Before each pitch take, a deep breath, wink or do whatever is comfortable in order to get relaxed. Once she is consistent at 60 percent, have her do the same thing and have the ball return to the 80 percent mark by again applying the brakes to the last bit of the wind-up. I find that many young pitchers have their weight too far forward, even bending at the waist on delivery. Have the players stand at 2nd base position, SS, 3rd base position and make throws to first base trying to hit the bucket. 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. Arm circles are great after intense softball throwing drills. Keep these mistakes in mind so you can avoid . One thing that I believe helped me was one of those squeezer deals. Each time, roll through the shoulders, hips, elbows and wrists. This drill is my favorite drill and it has really helped me. Also add trunk flexion/extension exercises like. I have my pitchers pitch from approximately 20 feet, 10 balls. Figure out a routine for yourself to follow for practice and games. After it flies it's all for style points. Then drop both of your hands and pop your wrist and the ball should go right across the plate. The majority of control problems I see are directly related to 2 areas. Now you only swing at it on the third. 1) From an open-hipped position (front foot toward the target/catcher), the pitcher does a snap drill, driving the back knee in to the front knee. This will help you deal with pressure situations because all you need to do is to relax and deliver the pitch just like in practice.4. The pain is almost always due to a mechanical flaw in their motion. Players build arm strength and throwing accuracy in this go-to game. They are invaluable. Softball Pitching 107; Softball Throwing 20; Products Club or League Administrators. Measure off the same distance you use at your level of play, from the pitchers rubber to home plate, then subtract 2 feet. Look for something in a wider area and follow the same discipline. You cannot deliver a quality pitch if you are tense.2. Warm-up Drills Warm-ups are a must for any pitcher! Then she immediately takes a step back with the back leg. Next, take three to four giant steps back, mark your next line, do your 10 from there. Try this drill. Pitchers need short memories. They help the body to stay balanced when throwing a pitch. If you are a right handed pitcher then you would face to the right of the rubber and put your knee on towel which is on the rubber. Make sure you are using the correct form when throwing and practice frequently to build muscle memory and accuracy. Post a video. Then I have them move in ten foot increments back until they are throwing from as far back as 60 feet. If the pitcher throws too quickly without enough weight transfer, the pitch will go off target. Most of your power comes from the drive. It provides control in crucial game situations. If you have just thrown a homerun ball or walked the last batter, Shake it off! After warming up with 3 ball we go directly to the tempo drills. The results have been remarkable!! It will increase forearm strength also. If you want to become a better football player, regardless of your position, youll need to develop a high level of conditioning. While it can do these things, the main job of the glove in pitching is to aim the ball. Take your game to the next level with softball drills and workouts at STACK.com. And often, if they do get a hold of one, its nothing more than a foul ball. If you have the room, do the long-toss drill. The glove allows the pitcher to grip the ball and, with some decrease in stride. If you do have a video camera, also try to get shots from the left, rightand front views too. Then you will do the windmill motion. HAVE FUN! But I digress. You can adjust the size and weight of the medicine ball to your skill level. They allow for your body to finish the motion. Point one arm out in front. When doing a windmill drill, focus on body position: Use these tips for successful softball pitching drills! There is no drill. A: It is recommended to practice softball pitching drills at least three times a week. What is the Supplement Inositol and What are its Benefits? SOFTBALL PITCHING DRILLS AND GAMES These are various pitching drills. They loosen the shoulder and get the blood flowing. (The percentage is not accurate but I will use this as an estimate for arguments sake). I have her stop at each section of the pitch so I can assure her and myself that her mechanics are correct. For added resistance, hold a weight or medicine ball in front of your chest. SQUEEZERI have been pitching mens fastpitch now for almost 20 years. 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. It's a function of mechanics. Q: How often should I practice these drills? Try utilizing the striped ball in your next practice and watch the throwing errors disappear! -I then stretch the twine taught to the nail in front of 2nd base and tie itoff there. Many pitchers will throw a certain pitch for an off-speed pitch and that is all. Maximize your sports performance with advice from todays top coaches and elite athletes. Clubs & Leagues . 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. To do a plank hold, start in a push-up position. Here is Ashley Holcombe's, a former catcher for Team USA, stance tips. When I was a kid I threw for an hour a day after school. The motion of the hands going forward as the stride is being taken helps move the body forward and helps elongate the stride, but the important job here is the aiming. International Softball 2023 All rights Reserved. Then I like to climb the ladder, meaning, throw the next pitch slightly higher than the one before. It should be a smooth, comfortable motion that releases the balls full power. The trailing leg should stay bent at the knee. Partner drills can also help. PITCHING HOOK KICKI was having a hard time breaking a bad habit of HOOK sliding the trailing foot on my 10 year old pitcher (who happens to be my daughter). Youll find the basketball workouts and drills youre looking for to take your game to the next level. To practice these pitches, control arm speed and ensure mechanics look like throwing a fastball. To acheive our goal of the 12 oclock to 6 oclock rotation on the ball as it travels to home plate, we use hockey pucks, rolls of tape and even cocktail peanut cans (for the cans, you need to add weight by stuffing them with bunched up paper, or sawdust, then tape extensively).. They loosen up the shoulder area and strengthen small muscles with precise movements. Step back slightly with one foot. If you are prepared and relaxed, you will be confident. Q: How can I improve my pitching accuracy? Imagine a line from your feet to home plate. This drill is the second drill in the "end game" series, and this continues to work on arm path, proper body positioning, but now we are getting the legs a little more involved! Divide that distance into three equal parts and draw a line at what would be the 60 percent and 80 percent distances. This pain may also be caused by a muscle imbalance. Your pinky can be tucked or lightly resting on the side but not actually gripping the ball. See how they can boost your playing skills! You must finish each pitch in a ready position. Check out more workouts and drills in our soccer training video gallery. You cannot have your pitcher throwing pitches that cause damage to her arm or elbow. Continue moving back and increasing the arc of the pitch until you cannot get it across the plate anymore. Here are some cool down drills to use post-pitching session. The key to this is too have the wrist turn over and propel the ball with tons of rotation. 2023 Softball-Spot.com. Place the pads of your fingers on the . This helps create more power and teaches you to adjust mechanics in any situation. The play does not start until you make a pitch. Lastly try side planks with single arm reaches and oblique twists for further multiplanar movement development. Arm extension is essential for successful pitching. Now wehave established the 40 per cent mark. Use them in your next practice and then come back and share your results! Start with pitches right down the middle and then work the corners (inside and outside) also high and low. Do up to three sets, with 60 seconds rest between each set. Note: Your younger girls are not going to be . Maximize your performance with workouts, drills and advice from coaches and athletes from some of the top college wrestling programs in the nation in our wrestling training video library. SEQUENCING THE RISEBALL MOTIONHere is a teaching aid I have had great results with recently for the riseball. Swing arms from side to side. I have my pitchers pitch from approximately 20 feet, 10 balls. I find that combining the short and long distances works on two things at the same timearm stength (speed) and accuracy. One of my favorite ways to beat a big hitter is to throw hard and at the hands with inside pitches. Here are some drills you can use: High-leg kick drills are key for any softball pitcher. 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. Draw a line on the ground where she starts that pitch. Cooling down drills decrease soreness, fatigue and boost flexibility. Running 20 to 30 minutes three times a week will help to build a strong mind and body. If you do (everybody does) go through your relaxation routine and increase your focus the next time you are in that situation.5. Make sure your pitcher is pointing her glove at the target with the wrist pointing up, which will in turn point the glove webbing straight up. The one with two balls throws a pitch to the other, the receiving player must throw a pitch to the first. They help stabilize pitching motion and focus on refining technique. Register Log in 1 2 3 6 Next Mar 2, 2020 #1 T Texas McE Oct 11, 2019 38 8 Please help. It will take a while to get the accuracy down. You know, you squeeze them with your hand to increase your grip. This guide provides hands-on instructions so that pitchers of all levels can better their core strength, control, and trajectory. Now, have the pitcher throw her slowest change-up several times and draw a line at an average distance where the ball comes back and hits the ground. It is important to continue keeping the wind-up at 100 percent full speed, but gently slow it down at the last moment. Through STACK, youll find the explosive workouts, conditioning and full-body strength training you need to get bigger, faster and stronger on the lacrosse field. If she is not willing to sacrifice this time and effort, find another pitcher. We do a lot of drill work, along with pitching. Relaxed and loose fingers will create more spin. 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. At the higher levels, the slower pitches give the hitters time to reload and crush the ball, but at the younger levels (through high school) there is nothing more entertaining than watching the big floater baffle a batter., Improper ball rotation on the pitch can be corrected with several gadgets. They dont just help get your body ready for the hard work of pitching, but also help create better throwing techniques. WEIGHT BACKWe do a lot of drill work, along with pitching. These can be long toss, speed circles, triple-arm circles, etc. Dont mean to nit-pick, but is she leaning at release, or after release? It will require a solid concrete wall, a piece of chalk and a tape measure. An 80mph pitch is not very impressive if you cant throw it for a strike. A Power Push can help greatly to assist with correcting foot position. You know, you squeeze them with your hand to increase your grip. First, I would suggest to all athletes that building their stamina and leg strength comes in the off season. Have the pitcher throw her fast ball, the pitch she throws with her fast ball grip. Those of you who are not pitchers, please read the keys and apply the concepts to your position. This website uses cookies and third party services. Peer pressure works wonders here. This starter program should go for 5 to 6 months for maximum results and convert to sprint training during season. Once warmed, work on locations. Using this exercise really helped me in my pitching. The drills should be done with some purpose. This tool is specifically meant to help your pitcher feel a good load and get a really STRONG push and glide off the rubber! In between each of these drills, I have the pitchers do weights with a 9 pound dumbbell. Give them a go! Unless something is DRASTICALLY off, you probably wont see it. I have been pitching mens fastpitch now for almost 20 years. We try to end each of our practices with a speed/strength drill. And that is OK; by hitting bad pitches in practice you slowly figure out that hitting short pitches allows you to drive the ball back through the middle, that in addition to hitting outside deep pitches to right field you can use an inside-out swing to hit inside short pitches down that line as well, or that flat pitches are easy to hit into the corner down the left field line. The only true way to get accuracy is to have the pitcher throw pitches, pitches and more pitches. For drop balls, the weight must be on the front foot at release. RELATED:Squash the Bug and Other Softball Batting Tips That Dont Work. Check out these 3 killer softball pitching drills for accuracy that we have compiled! Set up three cones in a triangle formation, with each cone about 10 feet apart. Softball Skills and Training Softball Pitching Staying "tall" Stxdad Nov 9, 2020 Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web. And dont forget to Like Us on Facebook, where we share more great drills, tips and suggestions. 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. The right knee stays on the ground. Bending the elbow: Instead of bending the elbow, keep the arm relaxed and neutral this slows down your pitch, which is the exact opposite of what you want in fastpitch softball. If you are working with a pitcher and you are the one catching for her, itstough to see exactly what is going on with the stride foot when it touchesdown. Warm-up with snap drills (3 ball drill) Do 25-50 snaps2. You dont need a catcher, a coach or even a softball park to practice your pitching. Balance drills may seem difficult at first. Proper pitching technique and core strength are must-haves for mastering softball pitching. An accurate throw will return straight back to you. The following drills can help with pitching from the stretch: Change-ups surprise or fool batters and give an edge in a game. This pain may also be caused by a muscle imbalance. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Have the pitcher throw the same pitch several times and focus only on thelegs and especially the feet. Maintain good posture, no bending at waist or bottom out in back foot during kick. It is the kind with sand in the bottom of it so it stays upright. Softball Skills and Training Softball Pitching "Stay Tall" Texas McE Mar 2, 2020 Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web. 1. I will use a roll of bright colored construction twine and stretch ittightly from that nail at the back tip of home plate, to the front of 2ndbase. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Hold the position for 30-60 seconds or as long as you can keep the form. Hi, my name is Sophie and I love playing softball. After 10 to 15 pitches from this distance, we move back to about 25 feet and throw at about 50% speed. Find a concrete or foundation brick wall (preferably with no windows). 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. To the batter it seems as though its that same pitch (the strike) over and over. Shift body weight onto the balls of the feet. Queen Of The Hill Review. Whats a good drill to teach young pitchers to stay tall after a pitch/release, DD started to lean after pitch was released, she wasnt doing it now shes starting to . Now we have a taught power line from home plate to second base, except forthe 10 feet just in front of the rubber. On your way around stop your left hand right above your knee. Keep that hand parallel. Be careful not to get under the ball that will cause it to rise. Try this drill to improve follow-through accuracy and smoothness: Pitching practice done? If it is not treated promptly, it will lead to a long rehab time and possibly something more serious. I recommend starting with a light weight (4 pound) dumbbell doing arm curls, butterflies, and wrist snaps in 10 rep sets. Take a piece of chalk and draw a strike zone box on the wall. Continue dragging your throwing side foot toward the target with your shoe laces toward the target as long as possible. Helping. 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. -I will drive a 16 penny nail into the dirt just behind the back tip of homeplate. If she is not willing to sacrifice this time and effort, find another pitcher. While you are doing this, notice what it does to your forearm. Copyright 2023 STACK Powered by Stack Sports. As Doug worded it to me when I first worked with him, think about most really good pitchers youve seen. 1a) Same drill, but when the pitcher drives the back knee to the front, she stays there, on balance, until the catcher throws the ball back. Everyone waits for you. Accessibility Statement. Now measure the distance between the 40 percent mark and the 100 percent mark. Make sure your body is straight from head to feet and back is not arched or sagging. #3. If your pitcher is having problems with control, this is one area I would take a long look at. The straight drop (peel drop) is released off the birdie finger and the rotation is clockwise as viewed from 3rd base. 2a) Same as 2, but from a pitching motion. Throw 5 change-ups, then throw fastball-change, fastball-change. To improve power and accuracy, work on your mechanics. #7. They may be able to see something you cannot! Gradually speed up until you can complete the move without hesitation or inaccuracy at full speed. KIOTOU Softball Spinner, Pitcher Overhand Thrower Training Aid Equipment, Suitable for Sports Practice Softballs, Perfect for Top Collegiate Programs, Official Size and Weight, Velopro Softball Training Harness | Resistance Hitting & Pitching Trainer Adds 4-7MPH of Batting Power or Pitch Velocity | Improves Swing and Pitching Mechanics | Get Instant Feedback With Each Rep, GoSports 7 ft x 7 ft Baseball & Softball Practice Hitting & Pitching Net with Bow Type Frame, Carry Bag and Strike Zone, Great for All Skill Levels, SKLZ Hitting Stick Batting Swing Trainer for Baseball and Softball, 52-Inch Baseball Trainer, Power Pod Softball Training Aid Pitching Gear Pitch Equipment Trainer, Bullwhip The Baseball or Softball Pitching Training Aid - Pitching Trainer for Improving Arm Strength & Velocity - Perfect Pitching Mechanics for Beginners & Professionals Pitcher Training Equipment. Even in practice, deliver each pitch from the normal pitching routine. Continue moving back and increasing the arc of the pitch until you cannot get it across the plate anymore. It's good practice to have the pivot foot's arch meet the front edge of the plate so the ball of the foot can push-off. However, batters today are getting smarter and better and learning to go with those outside pitches. -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. When one pitch is a different rate of speed then the last pitch and there are seldom two pitches in a row the same speed the batters have greater difficulty deciding when to swing. This stretches shoulder muscles and helps them move freely when you throw. Otherwise you just might be waving goodbye to the ball as it leaves the park. I like to start each pitching practice with the players playing the 3-ball game. Also in this article was a weighted ball made with 100 finishing nails (2 to 2 1/2) pounded sub-flush in the seam holes, using another nail to get them sub-flush. Get a demo; Features; Pricing; Tournaments; FAQs; Coaches or Team Managers. It goes like this: Start out in the K position. I am certain it will work for other pitches also. This has increased velocity, improved mechanics, etc. More velocity and accuracy! I hope that this helps someone in their pitching practice.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'softballtutor_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_14',191,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-softballtutor_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); STRIPED BALL FOR PITCHINGI have a few striped balls in my pitching bag for use when teaching the roll drop and the riseball. Have her practice throwing at that speed until she can consistently come down on, or very near, the 80 percent line. You want the distance to be where the ball may or would be hit by the batter, about 1 foot in front of the plate. The same body parts used in pitching are engaged when throwing a medicine ball: hips, chest, arms, and shoulders. But if youre going to go inside on a big hitter, youve GOT to make sure you get that ball INSIDE and be careful not to hang the pitch over the plate. Now the 5 series outside hitting drills: Feet Facing Forward - Upper Body Facing Plate: have your hitter use a batting T and a home plate, and start with her feet beside each other (spaced out) and facing forward while her chest faces the ball on the T. She works on hitting the ball off the T without moving her feet. Place your mitt in a position where you can conceal your pitch signals. WORKOUT: (ALL PITCHES MUST BE THROWN USING THE NORMAL PITCHING ROUTINE). Go through your relaxation routine. PITCHER INJURIESInjuries are part of the game, but in a pitcher they are nevitable. Good muscle memory is gained by drills, drills and more drills. At first, these drills may be hard for some softball pitchers. I leave the twine lying on the dirt in that straight line. If it crosses the plate, move back 5 feet and toss another one. Drill correctly to boost arm strength, accuracy, power, and control. For extra power, add bridges, planks, or sit ups. 33.5K subscribers Former Texas A&M softball player and two-time All American Amanda Scarborough talks about the 3/4 pitching drill. Do 5-10 reps each way: forwards, backwards and side-to-side. Two myfavorites came to me from Doug Gillis, US National Mens team member. With 99% of your attention devoted to catching the ball and not getting hit,it is very hard to try and focus on the pitchers feet to see exactly whereshe is on the power line. When you do the wall workout, take a portable radio/tape/CD unit along and play your favorite lively paced music. Have you pitcher take a pitching position with the power line exactly underthe center of her body, feet equally far from the power line to each side. They are invaluable. Im a keen athlete myself; I like to train regularly and spend time socialising outside of softball too. Training refers to the workouts, exercises and drills they perform outside of organized practices to improve their Strength, Speed, Conditioning and Flexibility, as well to rehab and prevent injury. Arm circles Arm circles are []. You are using an out of date browser. If not, correct it immediately, before moving on to the next distance. You can count on replacing Mickey about twice a season, but at about $5.00, it is a great tool! of softball pitching, at the end of the stride the push-back against the stride leg serves as the resistance (or "reaction") for the action of the arm as it does its final downswing into the release of the pitch. The drills are for a right handed pitcher. Register Log in 1 Nov 10, 2020 #11 S Stxdad Jun 24, 2019 162 28 So that's her style of finishing the pitch ? But once you get the basics, it will give your pitching game an edge. I have my pitchers pitch from approximately 20 feet, 10 balls. WEIGHT TRAININGI feel that every pitcher has to do some sort of weight training to increase her speed. Enough said here!! The following 30-day challenge will correct these issues and help you generate more power and spin on your pitches. But I digress. In addition, many dont use their back leg by driving it forward. A lot of pitchers throw very good floaters that are tough to hit, but why not have one the RIPS?? Result? We dont want to teach her to drive and step back on every pitch. Three-pump--standing in the start position, the pitcher does her . Do 5 sets of fastball-change.6. If it crosses the plate, move back 5 feet and toss another one. Squash the Bug and Other Softball Batting Tips That Dont Work, Fastpitch Softball Pitching Tips for Beginners, Fun Basketball Drills That Improve Court Skills, The New Procedure Thats Revolutionizing ACL Surgery and Recovery, The Responsibilities of Parents in College Athletics Recruiting. These pitches are not thrown from the pitching stance. Here is a teaching aid I have had great results with recently for the riseball. Have 2 teams of 5 players 1 player at each infield position including catcher (but not pitcher). While watching their mechanics, the coach will see where their front foot (delivery) foot lands and where their delivery hand lands. For drop balls, the weight must be on the front foot at release. Repeat this ten times. While doing this, emphasize the proper weight distribution. In order to do this drill, the pitcher should be throwing at maybe 75%. With practice, they will become easier and help maximize control over velocity and accuracy. Focus your best on the first batter of every inning. Slowly lower the leg, maintaining the same distance between it and the leading foot. This does a couple of different things. Every now and then, the pitchers hit Mickey on purpose. Do this on both sides until you feel limber. When a pitcher is experiencing soreness or pain stop immediately! Spin and velocity are the lifeblood of a softball pitcher. This can be done anywherein a car, bus, rain, snow, summer, winter, etc. As I coach younger girls, I used 1 1/2 finishing nails and used every other seam (84 nails). It works Great!! When the pitcher throws at that height over the plate, the umpire should call that pitch a strike. The focus of this drill is 100% power. If you cannot locate the problem, ask one of your assistant coaches to watch or take your pitcher to another coach. This will enable you to field your position and protect you from line-drives back at you.3. PITCHERS WALLOne of the drills that I have the pitchers do is: Stand next to a wall, approximately 4 to 6 inches away, feet angled at a 45 degree, then go through the motion of either slingshot or windmill. If the line wavers or is non-existant, the rotation is incorrect and more rotational work is needed. Medicine ball throws are a great way to build it up. When you bust a batter hard and inside it is difficult for them to get their bat head around and/or to get extended on the ball.
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