Pitching Slowpitch Softball Techniques

Pitch Placement

• A pitcher who throws the ball down the middle of the plate every pitch will make things easy on the opponent. The best pitchers in slowpitch softball challenge the batter, moving the ball to the inside and outside edges of the strike zone and throwing off the timing of the batter. If the pitcher can get ahead in the ball/strike count, it creates the freedom to try to entice the batter to swing at pitches outside the strike zone and therefore make it easier to record an out. An effective pitch to upset a batter's timing is one that falls just short of the plate, causing the batter to start his swing too early.

Ball Spin

• Spinning the ball in different directions while throwing it in the strike zone can put the batter at a disadvantage. It will put movement on the ball--a curveball of sorts--making it more difficult to hit with extreme force. It also is likely to lead to more foul balls, which results in an out if a foul ball is hit with two strikes. If the ball is spinning in different directions every time, the batter will need to make more adjustments in order to hit the ball dead on. The slightest variation in where the ball hits the bat can result in a foul ball or easy out.

Field the Ball

• The best pitchers are those who can field the ball well, especially when it is hit through the middle of the infield. A good-fielding pitcher can prevent many hits by covering the middle of the infield. In practice, pitchers should work on fielding techniques, such as backpedaling toward second base after releasing the pitch, and be involved in the team's defensive strategy. It also is important to know which bases to cover if a teammate is out of position.