Drills to Help Throw Softballs Further

Softball is a game that shares key similarities with baseball; however, softball uses altered pitching techniques, along with a smaller field and a larger ball. Softball is traditionally a women's sports, often complementing men's baseball on high school and college campuses throughout America. Today, many male and female players enjoy the sport either in recreational or organized settings. Throwing is integral to the sport and specific drills can be used to throw softballs further.

  1. Sitting Throws

    • The team is split up into pairs of two players each. Both of the players in each pair sit cross-legged 10 yards apart. The partners can alternate throwing balls accurately to each other. This focuses on the upper body motion needed to throw a softball. It also strengthens arm and ab muscles. The distance can be increased between the partners by 2 yards after each partner completes 10 throws. Repeat until players can no longer throw accurately.

    Kneeling Throws

    • The partners take a kneeling position 10 yards apart. They should have the knee that corresponds with their gloved hand raised. The partners alternate throwing balls between themselves. This focuses on the upper body motion as well as hip rotation. The distance is increased between the partners by 4 yards after each partner completes 10 throws. Repeat until players can no longer throw accurately.

    One-legged Throws

    • Paired partners are set 15 yards apart. The partner throwing the ball begins her throw with one leg planted and the other raised. The leg raised should correspond with the player's gloved hand. The partners alternate throwing balls accurately to each other. This focuses on the stepping motion needed to throw a softball far. It also strengthens arm and ab muscles. The distance between partners is increased by 4 yards after each partner completes 10 throws. Repeat until players can no longer throw accurately.

    Regular Throws

    • The partners are placed 20 yards apart. Each partner throws the softball as normal, being sure to step forward with one leg as he releases the softball. The partners alternate throwing balls accurately. This focuses on the proper technique used in games for throwing softballs. The distance between partners is increased by 2 yards after each partner completes 10 throws. Repeat until players can no longer throw accurately.