How to Throw a Windmill Pitch

The windmill pitch is the most traditional pitch in softball and allows you to to get the most speed out of your pitch. It is only allowed in fast-pitch games. With this pitch, women commonly attain speeds that exceed 70 miles per hour, and men can exceed 100 miles per hour. There are many variations on how to throw, but with the proper instruction you can learn the correct delivery.

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the ball by the seams with your fingertips and thumb, with your thumb opposite your fingers as much as possible. There should be space between the ball and your palm.

    • 2

      Put your right foot on the pitching rubber, and your left foot about a foot in front of you. If you are left-handed, do the opposite.

    • 3

      Extend your arms forward, with the glove covering the ball. Your pitching hand should be on the top or outside of the ball.

    • 4

      Extend your pitching arm backward in a circular, underhanded motion, until it it is even with your shoulder. Keep your weight on the back foot during this stage.

    • 5

      Begin moving your pitching arm downward in a circular motion. As you move your pitching arm forward, swing your glove arm backward past your hip to give you body forward momentum. At the same time, step toward the plate with your left foot (if you are right-handed) to further increase your momentum.

    • 6

      Snap your throwing wrist as it reaches the level of your hip to give the ball speed and control.

    • 7

      Release the ball at about thigh level. Allow your arm to follow through on its natural course.