Softball Slow Pitching Skills

Slow-pitch softball is a popular sport among various communities and church leagues across the country. The average fan might not think that very much skill is required when slow-pitching a softball. Whether you are left-handed or right-handed, there are many skills that a serious softball slow pitcher can develop over time. Just like regular baseball, a curve ball, slider and various other pitching skills can be incorporated.

  1. Straight Pitch

    • A straight pitch basically means that there is no motion or rotation associated with the pitch. There is some strategy involved even with the straight pitch. The more separated your index finger and middle finger is on the ball the more the softball goes to the outside of the plate. The best placement for your thumb is on the top of the ball almost as if it is always facing home plate throughout the pitch.

    Slider Pitch

    • The slider is considered to be an advanced pitch that, if performed properly, will curve off at the end as the rotation of the ball speeds up. Except for your thumb, Your finger placement begins in the same way as the straight pitch. Place your thumb more on the side of the ball next to your index finger at the same time placing more pressure on the ball with your ring finger and pinky. Keep your wrist straight through the pitch and use your thumb like before as a guide on the top of the ball facing the plate

    Curve Ball

    • You might think that the slider pitch and the curve ball do the same thing, which is actually not true. A curve ball rotates in the opposite direction of the slider and thus curves on the other side of the plate. To successfully throw a slow-pitch curve ball, start with both the index and middle finger touching while gripping the softball. The thumb goes on the opposite side of the ball. There is no reason to spin your wrist as this is not where the curve ball gets its spin. Throw the pitch straight and the curve comes as a result of the middle finger resting on the ball longer.

    Spin Pitch

    • The goal of a spin pitch is for there to be a lot of spin when the softball hits the bat. Place all four fingers together with your thumb resting on the opposite side. Your thumb should start on the top as in the other pitch, but as you make the pitch rotate your wrist so that your four fingers end up on top.

    Backhand Pitch

    • The backhand pitch can be an effective softball skill to develop. When first starting out, the grip of this pitch will not feel very natural. Your first three fingers will be on top of the ball while your pinky and thumb well rest on the other side. You then do a backward wrist flick to create the necessary backspin on the ball.