Softball Pitching Fundamentals

Fast-pitch softball pitchers walk a delicate line between effectiveness and injury risk. A player can suffer a serious arm ailment without the proper fundamentals. Several factors go into making a proper softball pitch.

  1. Footwork

    • A competitive softball pitcher should start with both feet touching the pitcher's rubber and pointed halfway between third base and home. As the pitcher strides toward the plate to make the pitch, the back foot should remain steady while the lead foot points in the direction of the pitch.

    Arm Motion

    • The windmill motion in softball pitching is what gives the thrower the majority of his power. The pitching arm should begin in front of the body and make a complete circle, with the arm whipping around to the release point. The ball should roll off the pitcher's fingers toward the target.

    Fielding Position

    • All softball pitchers must be in good fielding position after each pitch. As the pitcher completes her follow-through, she should move her pivot foot immediately up next to her stride foot so she is standing in a ready position. She should also ensure that both hands are up in anticipation of a ball being hit her way.