Swing arms from side to side. You will both be very surprised at how much you can tell aboutthe pitchers motions when you see it from behind. 10 Best Softball Throwing Drills for Kids | MOJO Sports 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. What I found by this, is that when they do actually pitch, they do not drop their shoulders and make that swooping motion. Heres a tip a coach told me about quite a number of years ago. Keep momentum going and, Grab a batting tee and place it near home plate, about. This does a couple of different things. This drill is my favorite drill and it has really helped me. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. These drills were taken from an article written by Duffy ONeill, Pitching Coach of the Ohio Emeralds. If she goes to either side, she was off-stride or off-balance. Im passionate about helping others get into the game and teach them a thing or two while Im at it. 6 Proven Youth Softball Pitching Drills - Softball Spot You freeze in power K position where most of the postural issues present themselves. As a coach, it is your responsibility to find that flaw and eliminate it. Now wehave established the 40 per cent mark. Time to cool down the arm! Set up your top rope approximately 25 inches off the ground, and a second rope 6 inches lower. Divide that distance into three equal parts and draw a line at what would be the 60 percent and 80 percent distances. DO NOT OVEREXERT!! Then I have them move in ten foot increments back until they are throwing from as far back as 60 feet. Put a pile of single sheet newspapers in an area you would normally walk by the most times during the day. I recommend starting with a light weight (4 pound) dumbbell doing arm curls, butterflies, and wrist snaps in 10 rep sets. I got this game from ASU Head Softball Coach Linda Wells. coaching youth softball and where you can get softball drills and softball 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. 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. 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. I told her all the technical stuff on power and control but she kept doing that old bowlers hook kick during her delivery. Roll your shoulders forward and then back. And chances are the majority of those practice pitches will be bad pitches. OFF SPEED PITCHINGTeaching your pitcher to throw Off-Speed. Make sure these two areas are correct and your pitcher will have much better control, and, in turn, will be more effective. The reason for this is that the pitcher is not waiting for a ball to be thrown to her. Now we have a taught power line from home plate to second base, except forthe 10 feet just in front of the rubber. Here is Ashley Holcombe's, a former catcher for Team USA, stance tips. At first, do not be concerned with accuracy. And dont forget to Like Us on Facebook, where we share more great drills, tips and suggestions. For even more softball training, check out softball video library. You can count on replacing Mickey about twice a season, but at about $5.00, it is a great tool! Continue moving back and increasing the arc of the pitch until you cannot get it across the plate anymore. Begin as if you were on the mound with your feet staggered and your throwing arm foot slightly in front. Second, pitchers push the ball out of their hand, which reduces the spin applied to the ball and potential movement of the ball. 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. Arm position should focus on reducing distance from glove to target. TAKE AIM WITH YOUR GLOVEMany coaches and players overlook the importance the glove hand plays in the ability to control the ball when pitching. 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. 10+ Best Fastpitch Softball Drills & Tips In 2023 | JustBats Then she immediately takes a step back with the back leg. This drill builds proper pitching mechanics and can be used by pitchers of any experience level. You know, you squeeze them with your hand to increase your grip. The same body parts used in pitching are engaged when throwing a medicine ball: hips, chest, arms, and shoulders. By taking things one component at a time, you can focus your team in . Its great to have friends with similar interests, dont you think? Focus your best on the first batter of every inning. I have my pitchers pitch from approximately 20 feet, 10 balls. If you do (everybody does) go through your relaxation routine and increase your focus the next time you are in that situation.5. Of course he was right, and I knew that intuitively. Sue will share some great tips and softball pitching, hitting and much more! Measure your distance and next workout, try to beat the mark. Do 10 sets each leg with 1 minute rest between sets. Here are some drills you can use: High-leg kick drills are key for any softball pitcher. As an example (R/H pitcher). After about 2 -4 times, the pitcher has increased the delivery distance and stretched further down/over. Once she can do this and come pretty close to the correct speed/line, she is ready to try it on the batters. -Then I drive nails just behind the rubber and just in front of 2nd base. Move back to 40 feet and throw 5-10 riseballs, peel drops and roll drops.5. Then move back to the last sucessful toss and toss 3 more. 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. 1. This emphasises the full arm extension. Imagine a line from your feet to home plate. We got it/kicked it fair/foul Out, yes. With practice, they will become easier and help maximize control over velocity and accuracy. Starting the same as Run and Drag Drill, drive off the mound, keeping your toes and navel toward the target. Plank holds are a great drill for softball pitchers to boost core strength. You are using an out of date browser. When done correctly, each pitcher can throw 50 pitches in a very short time. You may lean off balance. 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). It will take a while to get the accuracy down. 2a) Same as 2, but from a pitching motion. Softball Pitching Power Drills - Softball Spot Go through your relaxation routine. One thing that I believe helped me was one of those squeezer deals. Pitching Drills - Fastpitch Power The one with two balls throws a pitch to the other, the receiving player must throw a pitch to the first. **Pro tip**: Coordinate arm circles while hopping on one foot or both feet this enhances coordination between arms/legs when producing power. Balance drills may seem difficult at first. When done correctly, each pitcher can throw 50 pitches in a very short time. The first mistake is pivoting on your drive/drag leg, which limits the amount of power that can be transferred from your lower body into your pitches. The only way for her to do so is to properly drag her toe through the delivery. These are ladies, not weight lifters. But since it is practice, you will swing at them. We dont want to teach her to drive and step back on every pitch. Note: Your younger girls are not going to be . Now you only swing at it on the third. Its important to get the balance between weight transfer and arm speed right. Use a weighted ball or medicine ball. She hates them!!! It provides control in crucial game situations. Hitting Drill - Homerun Derby by the . I have found it is effective to throw all of your different pitches atdifferent speeds, from one pitch to the next. Whether you want to become a stronger skater, develop your stick-handling skills, buy better gear or eat healthier, youll find everything you need at STACK.com. 2023 Softball-Spot.com. For drop balls, the weight must be on the front foot at release. Softball pitching drill Part 2 Canyons - Official Sound Studio. First it adds some power to your release and secondly, it squares your body to the target making it easier to be more consistent. If the runner wins, their team gets one point. This is the position your body is in when you have taken your stride toward the plate, your glove hand is pointing toward the target and your ball hand is at its highest point. 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. Helping. Softball Catcher Drills Professional Guide. More velocity and accuracy! While it can do these things, the main job of the glove in pitching is to aim the ball. Follow-through is key in any pitch. 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. Train for wrestling with workouts that provide the explosive strength and power you need to take down an opponent. Step back slightly with one foot. Be careful not to get under the ball that will cause it to rise. . If they hit these locations in the 10 pitches or less, they are done, if not, they must go to the end of the line and try again. 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. The play does not start until you make a pitch. Watch on. You know, you squeeze them with your hand to increase your grip. Just before landing on your glove side leg, turn the foot sideways to initiate your hips opening. The pitcher takes a bucket of balls and moves to a point just behind pitchers rubber. If it crosses the plate, move back 5 feet and toss another one. We throw 10 to 15 pitches at this distance. List Of Softball Drills - rookieroad.com Throw 5 change-ups, then throw fastball-change, fastball-change. For more foundational drill videos, advanced drills, power Many pitchers will throw a certain pitch for an off-speed pitch and that is all. You cannot have your pitcher throwing pitches that cause damage to her arm or elbow. Therefore, performing effective pitching drills will lead to more versatile, efficient, and speedy hurls needed to deliver an all-around powerful performance. 3 Killer Softball Pitching Drills for Accuracy! You must log in or register to reply here. Forcing them to do that reduces the amount of time they have available to around 40 percent of normal. Infield Throwing Drill 2 by Pete Sprenkle. Now take out a handkerchief (or towel) and have the coach stand directly in front of the pitcher. 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. Draw a strike zone on the wall with chalk, the strike zone representing the pitchers height. In addition to STACKs wrestling workouts, we also provide plenty of nutrition advice to help wrestlers make and maintain weight throughout their training. SOFTBALL PITCHING DRILLS AND GAMES These are various pitching drills. 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. They allow for your body to finish the motion. I am certain it will work for other pitches also. When the pitcher throws at that height over the plate, the umpire should call that pitch a strike. Learn how elite athletes supercharge their performance by following scientifically-supported nutrition strategies. Now with one strike, your zone should expand a bit. When a pitcher is experiencing soreness or pain stop immediately! But once you get the basics, it will give your pitching game an edge. I find that many young pitchers have their weight too far forward, even bending at the waist on delivery. Need some drills or suggestions for 12yo DD | Discuss Fastpitch