So I told her before she would get a new pair she would have to wear the toe out of the mids. Most of your power comes from the drive. If you want to become a better football player, regardless of your position, youll need to develop a high level of conditioning. For even more softball training, check out softball video library. They loosen the shoulder and get the blood flowing. The drills should be done with some purpose. 1. Softball Pitching Drills - Softball Tutor Again, dont trade accuracy for speed. Each time, roll through the shoulders, hips, elbows and wrists. Fastpitch Softball Pitching Tips for Beginners Part 1 | STACK Rewind the tape and watch it a few more times and you might also discoverthe pitcher leaning at the waist to the opposite side of the power line totry and compensate for the error and still hit reasonably close to thetarget. Windmills are great for softball pitchers looking to get better! 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. Have the pitcher gently put on the brakes at the end of the wind-up so the ball only returns as far as the 60 percent mark. Relaxed and loose fingers will create more spin. Dont mean to nit-pick, but is she leaning at release, or after release? Then it might not be an issue. Tip #3Training during your noncompetitive season?Pam Newton, ASA Junior Olympic Coach. This is the best way I have ever found to train a pitcher to throw one pitch at different speeds (an off-speed pitch). But I digress. In addition, many dont use their back leg by driving it forward. From what I have seen, most outs in the course of a ball game are due to swinging at the wrong pitch. It should be a smooth, comfortable motion that releases the balls full power. Hi, my name is Sophie and I love playing softball. What I enjoy most about the sport is that its so versatile there are endless possibilities when it comes to tactics and game-play. 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. We may occasionally review products that could generate commissions that enable the site to continue running. Do 10 rotations at your own pace. Note that for this drill, it might be too advanced for some 8U players. I find that many young pitchers have their weight too far forward, even bending at the waist on delivery. Find drills on hitting, pitching, defense, as well as drills for catchers. Result? Ok that was a bit harsh. Always start shoulder-width apart. 2023 Softball-Spot.com. Pitchers need short memories. I have my pitchers pitch from approximately 20 feet, 10 balls. Every coach needs new ideas to keep their players on their toes and practice interesting and fun. Do 10 sets each leg with 1 minute rest between sets. Do warm-up drills for softball pitching. It is done with both feet together. I have a few striped balls in my pitching bag for use when teaching the roll drop and the riseball. This is the most important aspect of throwing a breaking pitch. The following drills can help with pitching from the stretch: Change-ups surprise or fool batters and give an edge in a game. Slowly lower the leg, maintaining the same distance between it and the leading foot. Pitching Drills - Fastpitch Power 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. While it can do these things, the main job of the glove in pitching is to aim the ball. If you do (everybody does) go through your relaxation routine and increase your focus the next time you are in that situation.5. Maximize your sports performance with advice from todays top coaches and elite athletes. That samefast ball, thrown at a different speed, from one pitch to the next, forces the batter to have to stop and decide exactly when to start her swing. A Power Push can help greatly to assist with correcting foot position. The release of the ball is incorrect due to the pitcher working on the riseball, (that is another discussion for another time), and the pitcher not using her glove to aim at the target. Products. The best pitches a pitcher throws come from methodical practice designed to strengthen your pitching arm and develop your sense of timing. The results have been remarkable!! We got it/kicked it fair/foul Out, yes. 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. Note: Your younger girls are not going to be . Courtney's 30 Day Challenge: Softball Pitcher Drills | STACK When done correctly, each pitcher can throw 50 pitches in a very short time. Arms up to chest level. When I have a pitching student that I want to fine tune them, ( because ofproblems staying on the power line) here is what I do. These are ladies, not weight lifters. 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). An accurate throw will return straight back to you. You may also call time out to talk to the catcher.3. Q: What are some basic softball pitching drills? Repeat this ten times. Proper pitching technique and core strength are must-haves for mastering softball pitching. This helps to ensure that the muscles used in pitching stay tuned and develop over time. Core strength drills are crafted to help pitchers increase power, accuracy, and speed. For drop balls, the weight must be on the front foot at release. The focus of this drill is 100% power. Then, move on to more advanced exercises. The harder you throw, the closer the ball will return to you without hitting the ground. Peer pressure works wonders here. To practice these pitches, control arm speed and ensure mechanics look like throwing a fastball. Shift body weight onto the balls of the feet. Now your one single fast ball can be disguised to look like three different pitches. 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. The intent is for pitchers to transfer the importance of that direct step and balance when they pitch from the pitching rubber. Concentrating on the proper position of the hand at the hip. For More Speed - Finish the Pitch Great softball pitching hints and It is OK to take a strike; hitting the pitch just because it is a strike lowers your chances of getting a hit because the pitch was not what you were looking for. Latest sports news, for all pro sports, college sports, high school sports, and more. Draw a strike zone on the wall with chalk, the strike zone representing the pitchers height. Check. SOFTBALL PITCHING DRILL FOR SPEED (Stacked Ball Drill) If the pitch is not where you want it but is still a strike, dont worry. Hold the position for 30-60 seconds or as long as you can keep the form. Letting the young pitcher see it is always beneficial for them. 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. This has increased velocity, improved mechanics, etc. 2a) Same as 2, but from a pitching motion. 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. 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. When the pitcher throws at that height over the plate, the umpire should call that pitch a strike. This drill can increase your strength in the hand, wrist, and especially the forearm. They allow for your body to finish the motion. The one I use is an inflatable Mickey Mouse. 7. A: Some basic softball pitching drills include the balance point, arm circle, toe touch, and leg kick drills. Check out more workouts and drills in our soccer training video gallery. This pain may also be caused by a muscle imbalance. Then in this position throw a minimum of 30 full-blast fastballs. Watch on. The straight drop (peel drop) is released off the birdie finger and the rotation is clockwise as viewed from 3rd base. They may be able to see something you cannot! Place a runner and a fielder both on third base. -I will drive a 16 penny nail into the dirt just behind the back tip of homeplate. First arm curls. The top rope is the "set 'em up pitch.". If so, stop and reset. Softball Drills: Batting, Pitching, Fielding 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. You are using an out of date browser. One player has one ball, the other player has 2 balls. Check out Ueno. The pitcher takes a bucket of balls and moves to a point just behind pitchers rubber. You still have one more strike coming. Arm circles are essential in any warm-up. Therefore, performing effective pitching drills will lead to more versatile, efficient, and speedy hurls needed to deliver an all-around powerful performance. 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). 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. Pitching from the stretch is an essential skill for all pitchers. I have the pitchers throw over hand again to cool down once practice is done. This exercise will help improve stability, posture, and balance while pitching. What's a good drill to teach young pitchers to stay tall after a pitch/release, DD started to lean after pitch was released, she wasn't doing it now she's starting to . Stretch your thumb back so it is in line with your middle finger. 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. Follow-through drills will help! Swing arms from side to side. With a runner on base, you cannot throw a pitch in the dirt. 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. This will relax you. Find a solid concrete or foundation brick wall; a handball court wall is ideal. Finish up with 5 fastballs on the corners. For rise balls, the weight must be on the trail foot and release must be against a firm and resistant front foot. Find a concrete or foundation brick wall (preferably with no windows). Step back slightly with one foot. I use an inflatable toy in pitching practice a lot. The forefinger (the middle one) will be along the seam and the index finger under the forefinger ( basically the same grip as the rise). When a pitcher is experiencing soreness or pain stop immediately! Need some drills or suggestions for 12yo DD | Discuss Fastpitch -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. 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. 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).. Then I have them move in ten foot increments back until they are throwing from as far back as 60 feet. This drill can increase your strength in the hand, wrist, and especially the forearm. 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. I have had pitchers add between 2 & 4 feet to their delivery motion and end-up distance. Now draw a line across the box dividing the zone into top and bottom halves. They help with timing, muscle control and add speed to a pitch. But since it is practice, you will swing at them. In order to do this drill, the pitcher should be throwing at maybe 75%. Here is Ashley Holcombe's, a former catcher for Team USA, stance tips. 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. This guide provides hands-on instructions so that pitchers of all levels can better their core strength, control, and trajectory. Every now and then, the pitchers hit Mickey on purpose. Clubs & Leagues . Now we have established the 100 percent mark. Good muscle memory is gained by drills, drills and more drills. Cocking the wrist: Cocking the wrist also takes away power from your pitch it should stay relaxed and neutral. 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. To check a pitcher on the power line most folks will take their shoe anddraw a fat line in the dirt right in front of the rubber. In fact, Ive been playing for over 10 years now! Raise the leg in a fluid motion, as if in an actual pitch, until parallel to the ground. I recently attended a clinic at Arizona State University that Linda Wells and her staff put on specifically for our team. This exercise will help improve stability, posture, and balance while pitching. If the pitcher is occasionally throwing wideto one side or another she might very well be crossing over the power lineor landing way to the left. I find that many young pitchers have their weight too far forward, even bending at the waist on delivery. Teaching your pitcher to throw Off-Speed. Try this drill to improve follow-through accuracy and smoothness: Pitching practice done? 33.5K subscribers Former Texas A&M softball player and two-time All American Amanda Scarborough talks about the 3/4 pitching drill. Again, the 100 percent distance will be accurate, the others are estimated distances. 8U, 10U, 12U Softball Drill #2: Jump-back Tee Drill The second drill is a fun softball hitting drill that I call the "Jump Back Drill." Once again, developing body awareness is the critical element for this drill. Unless something is DRASTICALLY off, you probably wont see it. This will be very evident in the rear view. Set up three cones in a triangle formation, with each cone about 10 feet apart. Have the pitcher throw the same pitch several times and focus only on thelegs and especially the feet. And dont forget to Like Us on Facebook, where we share more great drills, tips and suggestions. Move back to 40 feet and throw 5-10 riseballs, peel drops and roll drops.5. Then I like to climb the ladder, meaning, throw the next pitch slightly higher than the one before. It is important to continue keeping the wind-up at 100 percent full speed, but gently slow it down at the last moment. You want the distance to be from the rubber to where the batter would hit theball, usually around two feet in front of the back tip of home plate. Rotate through the pitch delivery. Begin every spin with a four-seam fastball grip. Come back daily for basketball training videos and drills from some of the nations top basketball programs and advice from professional coaches and trainers. Try very hard not to walk her.2. If you have just thrown a homerun ball or walked the last batter, Shake it off! The drills are for a right handed pitcher. These drills will increase muscle memory and create consistency. I have my pitchers pitch from approximately 20 feet, 10 balls. Accuracy first, then work on speed. 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. Keep both arms extended throughout the move and. By taking things one component at a time, you can focus your team in . Keep momentum going and, Grab a batting tee and place it near home plate, about.