Ways to Practice Pitching in Small Spaces

Learning how to practice pitching in small spaces can be an essential training technique for pitchers, especially when you don't have access to a softball diamond or backyard. These pitching techniques will help you practice your control, accuracy and mastery over different pitches. The best part is you can practice many of these softball drills all by yourself.

  1. Spot Pitching

    • A productive way to put an old mattress to good use is to use it to absorb the velocity of your pitches. This pitching drill is helpful when you may not have someone to practice with, but need to dedicate time to fine-tune your pitching skills.

      Lean the old mattress against a sturdy wall or place it against a steady thick pole. Use masking tape to create two "X" targets to the left and right side of the middle of the mattress; 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 feet off the ground is a good zone to practice. However, the main objective to this drill isn't to pitch a perfect strike, it is to practice spot pitching.

      If the space you are using is smaller than this distance on the softball diamond, you can improvise. Stand about 10 feet from the mattress and pitch the ball. The ball should rebound from the mattress and roll to you. Pick up the ball and repeat until you get in a good amount of pitches.

    Form Drill

    • One of the most important aspects of pitching is form. Not only do you need good form to perfect your delivery of the softball, but good form comes in handy for perfecting different types of pitches, such as drop balls, rise balls, change ups and curve balls. The best part is, you don't need a partner to practice this drill, either.

      If you are right handed, place a full-length mirror to the right side of your body. If you are left handed, place it to your left. Go into the motion of the pitches you are attempting to master. For instance, if you have problems turning your wrist over for the drop or curve ball, look in the mirror while you practice this pitch. This will let you know if you are using proper form. Practice each pitch about 20 to 30 times before moving on to the next pitch.

    Snap Drill

    • A very important element to fast pitch softball is the snap of the wrist. With enough snap, you can give the ball extra movement and make it more difficult for batters to hit.

      For this drill, you will need at least two people. One person will pitch and the other person will catch the ball. Stand about 15 feet away from the catcher. As you go into your pitching motion, bring the wrist around and snap it as you bring it by your hips and release the ball to the catcher.

    Pitcher's Mound Drill

    • One of the most common errors pitchers make is crow hopping. According to the ASA Softball Rule Book, when a pitcher pushes off any other surface than the pitcher's mound, this is illegal and is defined as crow hopping. A simple softball pitching drill to correct this error is to place a few strips of masking tape on the ground.

      Cut three strips of the masking tape and place it horizontally on the ground. This will represent the pitching mound. If you are left handed, place a mirror on the left side of your body. Place it on the right side if you are a right-handed pitcher. Go into the motion of your pitch. As you push off the rubber, check to see if you are replanting the foot you pushed off with. If you do, you are most likely crow hopping. Correct this error in form by looking at yourself in the mirror and take note of the movement of your feet. Keep practicing this drill until you notice you are no longer replanting the front foot. One way to prevent crow hopping is to turn your front foot inward and drag it across the ground as you release the ball.