Girls Softball Pitching Drills

Girls softball pitching drills vary in intensity and focus depending on the level of the players. The most common form of softball played is fast-pitch, which requires girls to use a windmill style of pitching. Pitching drills improve strength, stamina, accuracy, power and focus. Drills may focus on one skill, skill set or ability at a time or concentrate on the overall movement or performance of the pitcher.

  1. Control and Speed Drills

    • Control of pitches is a main requirement in girls softball so pitchers can maintain consistent pitches and focus on other aspects of the pitch such as speed, accuracy and form. Control drills focus on the ending portion of the pitching stance where the pitcher releases the ball. One example of this drill can be done in or outdoors and requires pitchers to use a rubber ball. Standing towards a wall in her stride position, the pitcher flicks the ball straight towards the wall. When control is achieved the ball should bounce right back to the pitcher.

      Speed drills increase the speed of the pitch as well as the speed of the pitching process, allowing the pitcher to perform different speeds of pitches. One pitching drill for speed is speed sets. Speed sets require the pitcher to stand in stride position with the front foot facing the catcher at 45 degrees and the back foot also at 45 degrees. Feet are a little wider than shoulder distance apart. The pitcher makes two quick circles with her arm as fast as she can and releases the ball. The shoulder should be relaxed.

    Movement and Form Drills

    • Movement and form drills promote the proper completion of a softball pitch to prevent injury and maximize power. Drills often combine these two areas as proper form begets proper movement. One drill for movement and form requires pitchers to focus on weight distribution while gently throwing a peel drop, roll drop and rise ball pitch. After moving back 10 to 15 feet, pitchers repeat this process throwing at 50 percent power, then again, throwing at full power at regulation distance. Throughout the entire drill, players must focus on movement, weight distribution and the form for each pitch. If form is incorrect coaches must correct it immediately so that bad habits aren’t formed.

    Accuracy Drills

    • Accuracy drills should be done after control drills so that pitchers can maximize their effectiveness. After achieving control, pitchers can work on the accuracy of their throws so they can control exactly where each pitch lands. One common drill for accuracy is called the “Mickey Mouse” drill. This drill involves setting an inflatable toy in the batter's box, such as an inflatable Mickey Mouse doll, while the pitcher practices pitching. The pitcher must then pitch as if the toy were a real batter. Only a designated number of pitches may hit “Mickey.” Accuracy increases with practice and so the amount of time spent practicing directly affects the accuracy of the pitcher.