Pitching Slow Pitch Softball Tips

Pitching slow-pitch softball can be a challenge, but it doesn't make it easy. There's more to slow-pitch pitching than dropping a pitch into an expanded strike zone. Mastering various pitches and placing the ball in different locations can keep the batter off-balanced. Form and consistency will help develop your abilities.

  1. Learning Proper Form in Delivery

    • Proper form is key to placing your pitches. Hold the ball by placing the circumference around it. Begin your motion by holding your glove in front of you with your hand inside of it. Place your leg on the side of your pitching arm a step behind the pitching rubber and your opposite leg on the rubber. This will help you with shifting your weight toward the plate. Step forward like your arm is a pendulum, similar to throwing a bowling ball. Move your pitching leg forward with the pitch and step into the release. Let go of the ball even with your waistline and release the pitch. Immediately after the pitch, step equally with or behind the mound and have your glove up and ready in a defensive position for a batted ball.

    Controlling Your Pitches and Throwing Strikes

    • On a slow-pitch field, a strike zone is comprised of home plate and a mat behind the plate. The pitching arc is 6 to 12 feet high, varied by softball associations and league rules. As you develop control, move pitches between the front of the plate and the back of the mat. By moving the ball, you are keeping the hitter off-balanced.

    Learning New Pitches

    • Slow-pitch softball doesn't mean you can't throw various pitches like baseball pitchers. Once you master the strike zone, you can learn pitches, including curveballs and spinballs. To throw a curveball, place your middle finger on the seam with your index finger. Your thumb will cradle the ball below. Throw the ball as you would a regular pitch. The ball spins to create a curve naturally without a snap of the wrist required of baseball pitchers. To throw a spinball doesn't cause movement as much as it slows the ball as it comes off the bat. Hold it by positioning your thumb on the middle of the seam and rest the remaining four fingers on the opposite side of the ball below it. Hold the ball with your fingertips like you would with a knuckleball in baseball. As you start to arc the ball, release and spin the ball from the bottom hold of the four fingers by flicking your hand upward.