How to Teach Softball Pitching: Fastpitch, Drop, Rise, and Curveball

Softball is a challenging and competitive sport when played at the high school level and above. The most important aspect of building a winning team is pitching. There are some pitchers who can get by with just a fastball, but having a number of pitches will make a pitcher much tougher to hit.

Things You'll Need

  • Softball
  • Diamond
  • Pitching rubber
  • Home plate
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Instructions

    • 1

      The Fastball: Place your fingers across the seams. Take a full stride toward home plate and bend at the waist slightly as you prepare to release the ball. Make sure you follow through with your arm completely as your release the ball.

    • 2

      The Riser: This is one of the most difficult pitches to learn, and your pitcher must have a fastball of at least at 50 miles per hour to throw an effective riser. Place your forefinger and middle finger on the part of the ball where the seams are closest together. Twist your hand as you release the ball so your fingers are facing home plate.

    • 3

      The Drop: Place your fingers across the seams. Take a stride that is at least six inches shorter than your normal fastball. Stay tall at the point of release and do not crouch down. Pull your hand backwards and slightly up to create the dropping action on the pitch

    • 4

      The Curveball: Place your fingers along with the seams. Take a full stride toward home plate as your prepare to release the ball. Your waist should be slightly bent upon release. If you are a right-handed pitcher, twist your wrist to the left as you let go of the ball. If you are left-handed, twist your wrist to the right. Again, let your arm follow through completely.