Windmill Pitching Technique

The competitive sport of fast pitch softball is similar to baseball, but the pitcher must throw the ball with an underhand throw due to the shorter distance from the pitching mound to home plate. Windmill throwing techniques offer a fast-pitch delivery customizable to throw a variety of specialized pitches.

  1. Grip

    • The pitcher's grip on the ball is critical to accuracy with the windmill technique. The basic grip consists of laying your throwing hand flat and placing the ball within the center, letting your fingers naturally grip the laces. This grip allows for an easy release, a straight trajectory and little spin. Moving your fingers toward one side of the ball and a breaking wrist movement allows you to curve the ball, making it more difficult to hit.

    Body Position

    • The windmill technique allows pitchers to use either an open or closed stance with a closed stance facing home plate and open facing third or first base, depending on your throwing arm. Pitchers using the open stance break their hips toward the plate at the bottom of their arm motion, which squares up their shoulders. The closed stance keeps their throwing motion directed at the plate the entire time. Choosing to the use the rubber on the mound is up to the pitcher, as it can provide a pushing point to propel your motion forward.

    Arm Motion

    • The windmill throwing technique utilizes a circular arm motion where the arm rotates vertically to the ground. Pitchers can use a half- or full-circle method, which varies by the start and length of the arm motion. A half circle motions starts with the ball and glove hand at head level utilizing a short arm stroke. A full circle starts with both hands at waist level or below rotating the arm in a complete circle. Pitchers should practice with both methods, choosing whichever feels most comfortable.

    Training

    • Softball pitchers need to regularly exercise and train their arms to maintain and strengthen their windmill technique. Exercises that target the shoulders, forearms, upper arms and hands increase their throwing strength and reduce the risk of injuries. It is essential for a pitcher to properly warm up her body before pitching, as the strain of throwing can tear muscles and damage ligaments. Practicing the windmill technique several times a week allows the pitcher to become comfortable and tweak her motion to throw optimally.