Techniques for Fastpitch Softball Pitching

Fastpitch softball is mostly played by women, but some leagues welcome both males and females. Players who pitch fastpitch softball can throw balls with speeds of up to 75 mph. This is different from the usual softball pitching as the ball in fastpitch softball curves with speed. This is the windmill pitch. There are some techniques to increase the pitching speed of pitchers.

  1. Find the Right Stance

    • The first technique in improving the pitching speed when playing fastpitch softball is to find the right stride or stance. Pitchers have different stances that are comfortable for them. The windmill drill is a good idea to find a comfortable stance. This drill consists of arm rotating drills that can improve the pitching speed. The pitching arm rotates a couple of times to gain momentum. The pitcher throws the ball afterwards. During the swinging of the arm, the feet must not be moving.

    Increase Arm Strength

    • One key to improving the pitch of a fastpitch softball pitcher is to have a strong arm, wrist and forearm. These parts of the body can greatly improve the pitch. There is an easy technique in increasing the strength of the arm and the wrist. Pitchers can stack up a pile of newspapers spread out. The thing to remember is to separate the newspaper into single sheets and place them on top of each other to form a high stack. Everyday, pitchers must pass by the pile and get sheets from the stack using the pitching hand. The pitcher must then ball up the sheet of newspaper in a wad. After a few weeks of doing the drill, the wrist and the arm will be stronger.

    Keep Weight at the Back

    • One technique in pitching a fastball is to keep the weight at the back of the body. This takes a lot of practice. There is a drill that is good for keeping the weight back. While in the right stance, the pitcher must perform circles with the pitching arm while at the same time keeping the weight of the body on the back foot. Pitchers must practice this drill everyday in order to improve pitching skills. Keeping the weight at the back will produce more force during the pitch.