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After so many years of watching you're finally ready to get started.
Softball pitching, that is.
We know, we know. It can seem intimidating to learn, after all, softball players can make it look so easy. But as soon as you take the first few steps there's only space for improvement. That's why we've gotten together 5 super helpful pitching tips for newbies. Read on to find out what they are:
To master your softball pitching, you need to set goals for yourself. Not only in how much you pitch but also to improve your endurance.
Three important goals for softball pitching are:
Analyze the process of a good pitch. Pay attention to your arm and if it matches each step of the process. Good posture will also be important to accomplishing these goals.
You're going to need to practice regularly. Don't skip out on these days as they are crucial to improving. If you must skip a day make sure you are not leaving a lot of time between practices.
Set practices on a weekly basis. This will help to work towards those goals that you want to reach. During each week you should throw a certain number of pitches.
This number should increase every week to build up your endurance. Below is an example of a practice schedule:
By increasing your number of pitches you'll be training your arm for this endurance.
Since you'll be practicing weekly you'll want to make sure you add in drills as well. This will help supplement your training further.
This will help with the power of your pitch. Start close to the wall and throw a few pitches.
Once you have done a couple, back up and place yourself farther away. Keep backing up after every couple of pitches.
If you start to feel as though your pitch is less powerful, move closer to the wall and start the process again.
This drill will be focusing on the rotation of the arm during pitching. Good stance and aim will help the completion of this drill.
The shoulder should not be in pain during this pitch. But should definitely be controlled and relaxed.
Softball is a team sport so pitchers should learn how to communicate to their catchers. You will need to make your pitches recognizable to the catcher.
Familiarize yourself with the basic signs for a softball pitcher. And if you are on a team talk with your coach and catcher to see what their signs are as well.
The biggest advice we can give to those who are beginners is to not give up. Athletes get better only when improvement. And if you feel as though you have a pitch or drill down you should still come back to it to freshen up your skills.
Always continue to practice your fastball to continue to get faster. After building your basics you should continue to learn more advanced pitches. Pitches like the rise ball and the drop screw are examples of these.
Being a beginner is not always easy. Especially in a competitive sport.
But with enough practice, you'll be able to improve your game. And even might be able to help other beginners one day! For more information on softball pitching check out our blog. If you would like to know more about softball trading pins we are here to help! Call us at 1-888-574-6118 or fill out our form!