Accessibility Statement. Ok that was a bit harsh. After 10 or 15 pitches (depending on the age of the pitcher) at full power, back up 5 feet. One tactic a winning pitcher will use is to throw off-speed pitches. These drills will increase muscle memory and create consistency. Keep both arms extended throughout the move and. Now wehave established the 40 per cent mark. At STACK, youll not only get football-specific conditioning workouts, youll also find strength and power workouts from pros. They can help ease tension in the rotator cuff, reduce soreness and give more freedom in the shoulder joint. Have the pitcher throw her fast ball, the pitch she throws with her fast ball grip. Draw a strike zone on the wall with chalk, the strike zone representing the pitchers height. Try not to play slow stuff because that tends to slow down your workout pace. 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. It is absolutely essential that pitchers understand the details and the movements making up the entire pitch instead of launching straight into learning a drop or curve ball. You know, you squeeze them with your hand to increase your grip. Next are butterflies, then wrist curls isolating just the wrist. This is the best way I have ever found to train a pitcher to throw one pitch at different speeds (an off-speed pitch). 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. The following drills can help with pitching from the stretch: Change-ups surprise or fool batters and give an edge in a game. In between each of these drills, I have the pitchers do weights with a 9 pound dumbbell. Also add trunk flexion/extension exercises like. They are walk-ins, meaning that they are thrown while walking into the pitch. Now have the pitcherreturn to the 100 percent mark and throw from there. Learn how elite athletes supercharge their performance by following scientifically-supported nutrition strategies. Assistant Coach Sara Griffin, was working with the pitchers and she had them do a drill that I thought was really good. 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. There is also much that can be used for analysing apitcher from those angles. 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. 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. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Judge the stride length of your pitcher and you can extend that section ofthe line closer to the rubber than 10 feet but make sure it does not get soclose she lands on it or gets her feet caught up in it. Bend at the waist and lift arms up to shoulder-height. If you can catch the ball without it hitting the ground, or without you taking a step closer to the wall, you have fairly good speed for your level of play. Helping. If you are catching the pitcher, having that bright colored twine powerline, going from home plate to 10 feet in front of the rubber, will make itmuch easier to tell if the pitcher is off the power line without distractingyou from the ball coming at you. Swing arms from side to side. Softball pitching drill Part 2 Canyons - Official Sound Studio. I often see pitchers working the low outside corner (with say drops and curves) on Big hitters in order to keep them from getting the sweet part of the bat on the ball. Drop elbows and deepen circle radius, doing this periodically during practice. 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. It goes like this: Start out in the K position. When a pitcher is experiencing soreness or pain stop immediately! First we throw 8 balls into a net concentrating on wrist snap. You will be able to locate problems in the mechanics area a lot faster this way. Have her throw a pitch at 100 percent, then 60 percent, 100 percent, 80 percent, 80 percent, 60 percent, 60 percent, 100 percent, 60 percent, etc. If you have just thrown a homerun ball or walked the last batter, Shake it off! Therefore, performing effective pitching drills will lead to more versatile, efficient, and speedy hurls needed to deliver an all-around powerful performance. Thanks to Duffy ONeill for the article and the tips. Many pitchers will throw a certain pitch for an off-speed pitch and that is all. Find drills on hitting, pitching, defense, as well as drills for catchers. Note: Your younger girls are not going to be . What I found by this, is that when they do actually pitch, they do not drop their shoulders and make that swooping motion. Arms up to chest level. Make sure your weight is even in both feet. Concentrating on the proper position of the hand at the hip. She has to throw 100 to 150 pitches every night, PERIOD!! Most of your power comes from the drive. Lets take the fast ball, the pitch you throw with your fast ball grip. I have spoken to a lot of coaches who have had players experience this injury. The key to this is too have the wrist turn over and propel the ball with tons of rotation. SOFTBALL PITCHING DRILLS AND GAMES These are various pitching drills. 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. She has to throw 100 to 150 pitches every night, PERIOD!! -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. As I coach younger girls, I used 1 1/2 finishing nails and used every other seam (84 nails). After checking out the baseball workouts on STACK.com, browse through the articles and videos below for drills, advice, and motivation from some of the nations top coaches, college baseball programs, and elite athletes. Here is Ashley Holcombe's, a former catcher for Team USA, stance tips. Accuracy first, then work on speed. Put your weight on the inside balls of your feet. Injuries are part of the game, but in a pitcher they are nevitable. 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 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. Start by pulling your shoulders down, spine straight, arms at sides and palms down. When youre balanced, move to an overhead position. But, well just keep that between you, me and the wall. When the drill starts, the runner on third must make it to second base before the fielder can retrieve and throw all three balls to second base. Everyone waits for you. Do 5-10 reps each way: forwards, backwards and side-to-side. This is the kind of exercise that you hardly notice doing after awhile. It is imperative that you start a 3 day per week running regime for long distance during this time. Run and Drag Begin as if you were on the mound with your feet staggered and your throwing arm foot slightly in front. Dont use I couldnt find a catcher as an excuse not to workout your pitching arm. Repeat this ten times. To improve power and accuracy, work on your mechanics. At first, these drills may be hard for some softball pitchers. I'm super excited to be sharing this video with you all! This can be done anywherein a car, bus, rain, snow, summer, winter, etc. In the normal delivery, the hands separate and the ball hand moves back and up in a rocker motion. Each dropped or errant throw costs that team a point the team with the least points wins. In order to do this drill, the pitcher should be throwing at maybe 75%. 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). 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. I have had pitchers add between 2 & 4 feet to their delivery motion and end-up distance. Starting at one cone, sprint to the next, field an imaginary ground ball, then shuffle to the third cone before returning to the starting position. These 10 throwing drills are player favorites and youth softball coach approved. You dont need a catcher, a coach or even a softball park to practice your pitching. Shoulder rolls are a great start. 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. Features . . Your pinky can be tucked or lightly resting on the side but not actually gripping the ball. More velocity and accuracy! Throw 5 change-ups, then throw fastball-change, fastball-change. Work on accuracy first. If the ball hits it (which with young players is often) the ball drops straight down and does not deflect to the catcher (me). After 10 to 15 pitches from this distance, we move back to about 25 feet and throw at about 50% speed. Place the pads of your fingers on the . They may be able to see something you cannot! International Softball 2023 All rights Reserved. TAKE AIM WITH YOUR GLOVEMany coaches and players overlook the importance the glove hand plays in the ability to control the ball when pitching. Register Log in 1 2 3 Next May 13, 2012 #1 B BradB41 May 31, 2011 129 16 My DD made some dramatic progress this past off season. If you want to become a better football player, regardless of your position, youll need to develop a high level of conditioning. Have 2 teams of 5 players 1 player at each infield position including catcher (but not pitcher). This stretches shoulder muscles and helps them move freely when you throw. This helps create more power and teaches you to adjust mechanics in any situation. Now draw a line across the box dividing the zone into top and bottom halves. International Softball is a fan-led softball blog and forum, sharing the latest tips, tricks and info to improve your game. Make sure you are using the correct form when throwing and practice frequently to build muscle memory and accuracy. To make it harder, increase the duration or use hands held ab sliders. 1. Extend your glove side leg while dragging the toe of your throwing side leg. There are two ways to avoid doing this. This is especially true in younger pitchers (12-15). Well-rounded programs also include Sports Psychology training. Arm circles are essential in any warm-up. The right knee stays on the ground. Try this drill. 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. For some pitchers, this motion is shortened and they come right out of the glove. Log in Find My Team. To be a successful pitcher, you must take thatadvantage away form the batters. Again take three to four more giant steps back, mark your line, and throw from there. 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. DO NOT USE A STUCCO WALL a stucco wall is only around 1 inch thick and will be damaged. It provides control in crucial game situations. Windmill drills help with key fundamentals like using core muscles, arm motion follow-through and form. Maximize your sports performance with advice from todays top coaches and elite athletes. I have to remind my pitchers who are just now learning how to throw a rise ball, that the lower body mechanics for a rise ball should not be carried over to a fast ball. Then it might not be an issue. It goes like this: This drill can be done either with a catcher or against a backstop. If any other rotation is being imparted to the ball, the ball will not drop. Move back to 40 feet and throw 5-10 riseballs, peel drops and roll drops.5. When done correctly, each pitcher can throw 50 pitches in a very short time. 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. For rise balls, the weight must be on the trail foot and release must be against a firm and resistant front foot. Take a piece of chalk and draw a strike zone box on the wall. Follow-through is key in any pitch. I strongly suggest consulting a doctor before installing a weight program for your pitchers. Keep eyes forward, head level, chest slightly raised, hips loose, hips square to batting zone. Again, the 100 percent distance will be accurate, the others are estimated distances. Place a runner and a fielder both on third base. 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.) Practice using your fingertips to develop spin. And dont forget to Like Us on Facebook, where we share more great drills, tips and suggestions. They dont just help get your body ready for the hard work of pitching, but also help create better throwing techniques. As a coach, it is your responsibility to find that flaw and eliminate it. Shoulder rolls are essential after softball pitching sessions. If she is not willing to sacrifice this time and effort, find another pitcher. Hold this position for 13 seconds. The way to do this is to have the wrist turn over very late in the pitch. Remember, this game is for the players! Former is an issue, latter could be preference / style, but may also be indicative of issues further up the chain. Push through with elbow joint until full extension is achieved and snap your wrist down for whip action. Do warm-up drills for softball pitching. JavaScript is disabled. In addition to STACKs wrestling workouts, we also provide plenty of nutrition advice to help wrestlers make and maintain weight throughout their training. 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. These pitches are not thrown from the pitching stance. 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. 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 forefinger will peel the ball off sideways by using the seam, in effect spinning the ball. Do 25-50 locations3. For even more softball training, check out softball video library. To do this drill, stand with feet shoulder-width apart. I got this game from ASU Head Softball Coach Linda Wells. Letting the young pitcher see it is always beneficial for them. 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. Throw from there. Keep both toes and your navel toward the target and drag your shoe laces toward the target. Anything that happens after release isn't changing the pitch. First, I would suggest to all athletes that building their stamina and leg strength comes in the off season. This helps with accuracy, speed and power. The front upper arm should be close to the chest, with the elbow bent outward. Softball Pitching Drills JOE'S LONG TOSS The following speed drill also works for accuracy, while building arm strength. Next is stride. You can also divide the distance between the 40 percent and 100 percent lines into two equal parts and establish 40 percent, 70 percent and 100 percent distances. Home Softball Drills Softball Pitching Drills 3 Softball Pitching Drills for Accuracy! It will not allow the foot to improperly twist before push off. A lot of pitchers throw very good floaters that are tough to hit, but why not have one the RIPS?? Balance drills may seem difficult at first. After all, most pitchers in NCAA D-III are very successful without a rise ball (though this is changing). Read our softball catching skills, drills & training tips to improve techniques and be the star player at the next big game! They are invaluable. Once your pitcher can do 3 sets of 10 reps, increase the weight and start with 1 set and work up. You are around 40 feet or so away and, lets face it, you have a ballcoming at your nose at 45 to 60mph. Stretch and rotate arms in both directions. RELATED:Fastpitch Hitting Drills for Beginners. Do not move the twinewhile sitting or kneeling. Video tape your pitcher if you cannot see this motion and run it back slowly. 1. This starter program should go for 5 to 6 months for maximum results and convert to sprint training during season. The Drill: The best drill (in my opinion) that can help with posture is the first stage of the "reach, track, fire" drills. Result? But since it is practice, you will swing at them. If you do (everybody does) go through your relaxation routine and increase your focus the next time you are in that situation.5. She now has broken a bad habit and is on her way to a new pair of Nikes. For more lacrosse training, nutrition and gear advice from the nations top coaches and players, see our lacrosse training videos. #2. 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. Rotate outward, then inward. It helps secure the idea in their memory and their accuracy improves immediately. You can use PVC pipe, batting tees, or even hooks on a wall to fashion the ropes to your liking. LONG TOSSThis drill can be done either with a catcher or against a backstop. We got it/kicked it fair/foul Out, yes. #8. Measure your distance and next workout, try to beat the mark. To do a plank hold, start in a push-up position. Next, larger and smaller circles (15 secs each). After warming up with 3 ball we go directly to the tempo drills. 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. Starting the same as Run and Drag Drill, drive off the mound, keeping your toes and navel toward the target. Enough said here!! 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. Cooling down drills decrease soreness, fatigue and boost flexibility. You can adjust the size and weight of the medicine ball to your skill level. This is especially true in younger pitchers (12-15). 2) From the pitching plate, the pitcher repeats drill 1, but with her full motion. 7. 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. Every time you walk by, grab a sheet and wad it up, using only one hand. It's a function of mechanics. Now take out a handkerchief (or towel) and have the coach stand directly in front of the pitcher. One, use what I call the ever increasing strike zone: with no strikes on you, decide to hit a pitch only if it is in a specific zone for me it is chest high in front of the plate and if the ball is there, hit it, and more importantly if it isnt there, dont swing. If it crosses the plate, move back 5 feet and toss another one. See how they can boost your playing skills! 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. There is no drill. If the wrist on the glove hand is pointing to one side, chances are very good that they will be throwing to that side of the plate. Take deep breaths and relax your muscles. Forcing them to do that reduces the amount of time they have available to around 40 percent of normal. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. When you do the wall workout, take a portable radio/tape/CD unit along and play your favorite lively paced music. Softball pitching drills are essential for success! While it can do these things, the main job of the glove in pitching is to aim the ball. To do a plank hold, start in a push-up position. 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. Proper pitching technique and core strength are must-haves for mastering softball pitching. They are invaluable. This drill helps improve infielder footwork and agility. For added resistance, hold a weight or medicine ball in front of your chest. They will have to depend on watching the ball travel from the pitchers hand to determine exactly how fast it iscoming. Now we have established the 100 percent mark. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'softballtutor_com-box-4','ezslot_1',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-softballtutor_com-box-4-0');JOES LONG TOSSThe following speed drill also works for accuracy, while building arm strength. Now with one strike, your zone should expand a bit. #6. When done correctly, each pitcher can throw 50 pitches in a very short time. The ball must have counter-clockwise rotation as viewed from 3rd base. It will increase forearm strength also. Players build arm strength and throwing accuracy in this go-to game. Using this exercise really helped me in my pitching. This motion does a couple of different things. While you are doing this, notice what it does to your forearm. 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. DO NOT OVEREXERT!! Keep your arms loose and relaxed. This pain may also be caused by a muscle imbalance. Try these drills to help learn change-up mechanics: Perfecting your softball pitching motion? Throw some heavy balls or close rotation drills to perfect rotation of the ball for certain pitches. 2023 Softball-Spot.com. Build your football workout today! Measure off the same distance you use at your level of play, from the pitchers rubber to home plate, then subtract 2 feet. In addition, many dont use their back leg by driving it forward. So I told her before she would get a new pair she would have to wear the toe out of the mids. 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. For rise balls, the weight must be on the trail foot and release must be against a firm and resistant front foot. First it adds some power to your release and secondly, it squares your body to the target making it easier to be more consistent. They dont just help get your body ready for the hard work of pitching, but also help create better throwing techniques. PITCHER INJURIESInjuries are part of the game, but in a pitcher they are nevitable. The pitcher takes a bucket of balls and moves to a point just behind pitchers rubber. -I will then drive a 16 penny nail, touching the twine, about 10 feet infront of the rubber. Arm position should focus on reducing distance from glove to target. 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. USING THE POWER LINE FOR FINE TUNINGIf 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. Follow-through drills will help! The pitcher should fall back along the straight line of force. The play does not start until you make a pitch. Have her practice throwing at that speed until she can consistently come down on, or very near, the 80 percent line. They help with timing, muscle control and add speed to a pitch. Softball Pitching Need some drills or suggestions for 12yo DD BradB41 May 13, 2012 Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web. Do up to three sets, with 60 seconds rest between each set. Teaching your pitcher to throw Off-Speed. -I will drive a 16 penny nail into the dirt just behind the back tip of homeplate. #3. With the line extended you will be able to tell,fairly well, if she is off the line. 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. Imagine a line from your feet to home plate. Then do the drill two more times with moderate intensity. Look for something in a wider area and follow the same discipline. This guide provides hands-on instructions so that pitchers of all levels can better their core strength, control, and trajectory. Place your mitt in a position where you can conceal your pitch signals. Do 5 sets of fastball-change.6. And chances are the majority of those practice pitches will be bad pitches. Place three softballs about three-fourths of the way from third to home. You cannot have your pitcher throwing pitches that cause damage to her arm or elbow.
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