Softball Pitching Facts

Pitches in slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball obviously differ in terms of velocity and speed, but there are similarities when it comes to mechanics and the types of injuries that can result from either kind of pitching. Pitchers in either sport have a hand in almost every play of the game, which makes them one of the most important players on the field.

  1. Mechanics

    • When pitching in fast-pitch softball, the arm is extended and comes up and behind the head. The arm then follows through with the release of the softball at the hip. It's called a "windmill" pitch because of the way it looks. While pitching styles vary, a step is usually taken in the direction of the batter with the foot opposite the pitching arm. The back foot is dragged, behind the leading foot, off the mound.

      When pitching in slow-pitch softball, the pitcher begins with the ball in the glove. The pitcher then swings her arm back behind her body and then swings her extended arm forward, in front of her body, releasing the ball at about the chest.

    Rules

    • For both slow pitch and fast pitch, the ball must start inside the pitcher's glove. In fast pitch, both feet must be on the pitching mound before a pitch is thrown. In slow pitch, the pitcher's pivot (back) foot must be in contact with the pitching mound throughout the delivery of the pitch.

      There is also no "crow hopping" allowed. This means that the back foot, the one the pitcher uses to push off the mound, may not leave the ground. If this happens and the umpire catches it, the pitch is considered an illegal pitch and counts as a ball.

      In slow pitch, if the umpire feels the pitcher's ball isn't high enough, that also may be considered an illegal pitch and count as a ball.

    Injuries

    • The most common injuries among slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball pitchers are shoulder injuries. They are more prominent in fast-pitch pitchers because of the force a pitcher in that sport has to exert through her shoulder. These injuries can affect the rotator cuff and tendons of the shoulder. Ankle injuries like strains and sprains also can occur if the athlete steps incorrectly during a pitch.

    Types of Pitches

    • Like baseball, softball has a set of commonly used pitches. In fast pitch, the fastball is the most simple and straightforward pitch, and it's also the fastest pitch in the pitcher's arsenal. The change-up is a ball that's pitched about 15 mph slower than the fastball. This is used to off-set the batter. The curveball does exactly that: curve. A screwball will curve over the plate toward a right-handed batter. A drop ball has a top-to-bottom spin and drops right before it goes over the plate, making the batter swing over it. A rise ball will rise right before it goes over the plate, making the batter swing under it.

      In slow pitch, a straight pitch is a ball with no motion. A slider pitch is a ball that curves at the end, before hitting home plate. A curve ball curves toward the opposite side of a slider pitch. A spin pitch spins while in the air and travels to the inside of the plate, and a backhand pitch produces spin.

    Strikes and Balls

    • In fast pitch, a strike is a ball that is over the plate and generally above the batter's knees and below the batter's armpits. In slow pitch, a strike is a ball that hits any area of home plate. An umpire may call for slight differences, like lower pitches or pitches that are a little outside.