Weight should be directed towards the power line, as this will help with accuracy. Work on change-ups. WEIGHT TRAININGI feel that every pitcher has to do some sort of weight training to increase her speed. The key to this is too have the wrist turn over and propel the ball with tons of rotation. When throwing a riseball or a peel drop (straight dropball) the pitcher and catcher should see a solid line as the ball flies toward the target. Try not to play slow stuff because that tends to slow down your workout pace. Maintain good posture, no bending at waist or bottom out in back foot during kick. International Softball 2023 All rights Reserved. Smooth release creates speed, height and movement for effectiveness. SEQUENCING THE RISEBALL MOTIONHere is a teaching aid I have had great results with recently for the riseball. I strongly suggest consulting a doctor before installing a weight program for your pitchers. If running is not your thing then you can ride a bike, kick box, aerobics or swim doing these for 30 minutes to one hour. Therefore, a leaping-style pitcher musthave a strong, fast push-off Former is an issue, latter could be preference / style, but may also be indicative of issues further up the chain. Use this every time!! Then you will do the windmill motion. In fact, Ive been playing for over 10 years now! For added resistance, hold a weight or medicine ball in front of your chest. With content ranging from Abby Wambachs workout to the latest gear reviews to Real Salt Lakes speed training, theres something here for soccer players of all levels. The first 2 players to hit the bucket gets to be team captains for the scrimmage that day. The front upper arm should be close to the chest, with the elbow bent outward. Make big, slow circles with each arm. Q: How can I improve my pitching accuracy? They loosen the shoulder and get the blood flowing. Next we throw 8 balls concentrating on arm speed. It is done with both feet together. Note: Your younger girls are not going to be . The release of the ball is incorrect due to the pitcher working on the riseball, (that is another discussion for another time), and the pitcher not using her glove to aim at the target. One player has one ball, the other player has 2 balls. MOVEMENTTo work on movement pitches, I have my pitchers stand in a line a short distance from me in a power position (stride taken) and softly toss the ball using the proper rotation for peel drop, roll drop, and rise ball. Everyone waits for you. Register Log in 1 2 3 6 Next Mar 2, 2020 #1 T Texas McE Oct 11, 2019 38 8 Please help. You are around 40 feet or so away and, lets face it, you have a ballcoming at your nose at 45 to 60mph. You may also call time out to talk to the catcher.3. Its important to get the balance between weight transfer and arm speed right. STACK has the volleyball drills and workouts you need to take your game to the next level. This drill allows you to break down each part of the pitch. To do a plank hold, start in a push-up position. Again, the 100 percent distance will be accurate, the others are estimated distances. Now draw a line across the box dividing the zone into top and bottom halves. Shift body weight onto the balls of the feet. While it can do these things, the main job of the glove in pitching is to aim the ball. This drill is the second drill in the "end game" series, and this continues to work on arm path, proper body positioning, but now we are getting the legs a little more involved! If it crosses the plate, move back 5 feet and toss another one. As a coach, it is your responsibility to find that flaw and eliminate it. Finish up with 5 fastballs on the corners. The stripe gives instant feedback to the player and is easy for the catcher to see and determine what rotation has been imparted to the ball. At the higher levels, the slower pitches give the hitters time to reload and crush the ball, but at the younger levels (through high school) there is nothing more entertaining than watching the big floater baffle a batter., Improper ball rotation on the pitch can be corrected with several gadgets. They help stabilize pitching motion and focus on refining technique. Arm circles are essential in any warm-up. Finally we put the whole thing together and throw 8 balls incorporating all the drills above. Get a demo; Features; Pricing; Tournaments; FAQs; Coaches or Team Managers. This website uses cookies and third party services. Measure your distance and next workout, try to beat the mark. Keep both toes and your navel toward the target and drag your shoe laces toward the target. Register Log in 1 Nov 10, 2020 #11 S Stxdad Jun 24, 2019 162 28 So that's her style of finishing the pitch ? Running 20 to 30 minutes three times a week will help to build a strong mind and body. First we throw 8 balls into a net concentrating on wrist snap. Now, with two strikes, you must hit anything that is a strike, but dont panic, look at it this way in the past you were swinging at this pitch on the first strike. Softball Catcher Drills Professional Guide. These 10 throwing drills are player favorites and youth softball coach approved. Keep momentum going and, Grab a batting tee and place it near home plate, about. Members online 6 Guests online 124 Total . I have a few striped balls in my pitching bag for use when teaching the roll drop and the riseball. If any other rotation is being imparted to the ball, the ball will not drop. Do the first set from the mound with your power line. Time to cool down the arm! 3-2-1. Lets delve into a few of the most popular softball pitching drills. Look for something in a wider area and follow the same discipline. Enough said here!! What I found by this, is that when they do actually pitch, they do not drop their shoulders and make that swooping motion. I feel that every pitcher has to do some sort of weight training to increase her speed. This drill helps improve infielder footwork and agility. Set up your top rope approximately 25 inches off the ground, and a second rope 6 inches lower. If a pitcher throws every pitch at the same speed, no matter how fast that is, she gets pounded by the third inning. In order to do this drill, the pitcher should be throwing at maybe 75%. Slowly lower the leg, maintaining the same distance between it and the leading foot. Do not let pride stand in the way of producing a Great Athlete. Dont use I couldnt find a catcher as an excuse not to workout your pitching arm. I told her all the technical stuff on power and control but she kept doing that old bowlers hook kick during her delivery. If the pitch is not where you want it but is still a strike, dont worry. The Drill: The best drill (in my opinion) that can help with posture is the first stage of the "reach, track, fire" drills. They are invaluable. After that, we do one I call Reach For The Sky. Anything that happens after release isn't changing the pitch. International Softball is a fan-led softball blog and forum, sharing the latest tips, tricks and info to improve your game. In addition, many dont use their back leg by driving it forward. 1. After checking out the baseball workouts on STACK.com, browse through the articles and videos below for drills, advice, and motivation from some of the nations top coaches, college baseball programs, and elite athletes. Make sure your weight is even in both feet. Draw a strike zone on the wall with chalk, the strike zone representing the pitchers height. This guide provides hands-on instructions so that pitchers of all levels can better their core strength, control, and trajectory. More velocity and accuracy! To make it harder, increase the duration or use hands held ab sliders. They help the body to stay balanced when throwing a pitch. Have someone hold a shield to create resistance. For rise balls, the weight must be on the trail foot and release must be against a firm and resistant front foot. Do 5-10 riseballs, peel drops, and roll drops.4. You cannot have your pitcher throwing pitches that cause damage to her arm or elbow. Continue moving back and increasing the arc of the pitch until you cannot get it across the plate anymore. Drop elbows and deepen circle radius, doing this periodically during practice. This emphasises the full arm extension. Follow-through drills will help! These drills help to develop proper mechanics, accuracy, and power when throwing a pitch. The following 30-day challenge will correct these issues and help you generate more power and spin on your pitches. This way you give yourself a better chance for success even if the pitch you choose to swing at is not necessarily a good one. The intent is for pitchers to transfer the importance of that direct step and balance when they pitch from the pitching rubber. First it adds some power to your release and secondly, it squares your body to the target making it easier to be more consistent. Raise the leg in a fluid motion, as if in an actual pitch, until parallel to the ground. PITCHING GADGETSThese drills were taken from an article written by Duffy ONeill, Pitching Coach of the Ohio Emeralds, One of my favourite gadgets is one I call the changeup glove. In reality it is an old bowling glove which locks the pitchers wrist so that she cannot snap it. To power workouts and games, and to ensure a strong recovery, elite athletes take care to eat properly and to hydrate before, during and after workouts and competitions. The reason for this is that the pitcher is not waiting for a ball to be thrown to her. When you bust a batter hard and inside it is difficult for them to get their bat head around and/or to get extended on the ball. Throughout, keep eyes focused on a target ahead. They are walk-ins, meaning that they are thrown while walking into the pitch. Engage your abs by pulling your navel towards your spine and shoulder blades together. The forefinger will peel the ball off sideways by using the seam, in effect spinning the ball. Shoulder rolls are a great start. The drills are for a right handed pitcher. I like to start low and inside with a low rise or screwball for the first strike (getting that first pitch in there for a strike is extremely important and gives you as a pitcher more room to play.) It goes like this: This drill can be done either with a catcher or against a backstop. 7. You can adjust the size and weight of the medicine ball to your skill level. But, well just keep that between you, me and the wall. I have my pitchers pitch from approximately 20 feet, 10 balls. Starting at one cone, sprint to the next, field an imaginary ground ball, then shuffle to the third cone before returning to the starting position. Remember, this game is for the players! 2) From the pitching plate, the pitcher repeats drill 1, but with her full motion. Well-rounded programs also include Sports Psychology training. Otherwise you just might be waving goodbye to the ball as it leaves the park. RELATED:Fastpitch Hitting Drills for Beginners. If the line looks solid, the rotation is probably correct. At first, these drills may be hard for some softball pitchers. For even more volleyball training content, check out our volleyball video library. Also add trunk flexion/extension exercises like. Start by pulling your shoulders down, spine straight, arms at sides and palms down. Draw a line on the ground where she starts that pitch. This will be very evident in the rear view. They will have to depend on watching the ball travel from the pitchers hand to determine exactly how fast it iscoming. I have her stop at each section of the pitch so I can assure her and myself that her mechanics are correct. Train for wrestling with workouts that provide the explosive strength and power you need to take down an opponent. Watch on. Here are some drills you can use: High-leg kick drills are key for any softball pitcher. Have 2 teams of 5 players 1 player at each infield position including catcher (but not pitcher). of softball pitching, at the end of the stride the push-back against the stride leg serves as the resistance (or "reaction") for the action of the arm as it does its final downswing into the release of the pitch. Instead of the ball facing the batter when it is at the hip, the hand should be palm up to the sky and the ball laying in the hand so if you were to stop the motion the ball would stay in the hand. Spin and velocity are the lifeblood of a softball pitcher. KIOTOU Softball Spinner, Pitcher Overhand Thrower Training Aid Equipment, Suitable for Sports Practice Softballs, Perfect for Top Collegiate Programs, Official Size and Weight, Velopro Softball Training Harness | Resistance Hitting & Pitching Trainer Adds 4-7MPH of Batting Power or Pitch Velocity | Improves Swing and Pitching Mechanics | Get Instant Feedback With Each Rep, GoSports 7 ft x 7 ft Baseball & Softball Practice Hitting & Pitching Net with Bow Type Frame, Carry Bag and Strike Zone, Great for All Skill Levels, SKLZ Hitting Stick Batting Swing Trainer for Baseball and Softball, 52-Inch Baseball Trainer, Power Pod Softball Training Aid Pitching Gear Pitch Equipment Trainer, Bullwhip The Baseball or Softball Pitching Training Aid - Pitching Trainer for Improving Arm Strength & Velocity - Perfect Pitching Mechanics for Beginners & Professionals Pitcher Training Equipment. Each time, roll through the shoulders, hips, elbows and wrists. I hold my glove at a certain location and the pitch has to hit it without moving the glove. This stretches shoulder muscles and helps them move freely when you throw. This starter program should go for 5 to 6 months for maximum results and convert to sprint training during season. In most cases, the pitchers are merely sliding their hand under the ball to give the proper rotation for the riseball, however, if you want a riseball that RIPS, try this. This is especially true in younger pitchers (12-15). Each dropped or errant throw costs that team a point the team with the least points wins. Its great to have friends with similar interests, dont you think? For rise balls, the weight must be on the trail foot and release must be against a firm and resistant front foot. I leave the twine lying on the dirt in that straight line. They are invaluable. The following speed drill also works for accuracy, while building arm strength. To up the intensity, add weight to your arms or speed up each set of 10. If you can catch the ball without it hitting the ground, or without you taking a step closer to the wall, you have fairly good speed for your level of play. Check out these 3 killer softball pitching drills for accuracy that we have compiled! For drop balls, the weight must be on the front foot at release. This is especially true in younger pitchers (12-15). Most of your power comes from the drive. It will increase forearm strength also. If you have just thrown a homerun ball or walked the last batter, Shake it off! If you have the room, do the long-toss drill. The way to do this is to have the wrist turn over very late in the pitch. So if you were a .500 hitter before, now you are a .500 hitter with two strikes on you and, by being patient and pickier, you are a better hitter with one strike and a much better hitter with on strikes. This is the most important aspect of throwing a breaking pitch. Unfortunately, many pitchers make two common mistakes that limit the speed and velocity of their pitches. It will require a solid concrete wall, a piece of chalk and a tape measure. To the batter it seems as though its that same pitch (the strike) over and over. Her landing might not be off by much and she might not be leaningmuch to compensate for it, maybe not enough to be evident from 40 feet awaywhen you are concentrating on catching the ball. While watching their mechanics, the coach will see where their front foot (delivery) foot lands and where their delivery hand lands. Make it the strike zone for your height. Many coaches and players overlook the importance the glove hand plays in the ability to control the ball when pitching. -I will then drive a 16 penny nail, touching the twine, about 10 feet infront of the rubber. The same body parts used in pitching are engaged when throwing a medicine ball: hips, chest, arms, and shoulders. Q: What are some basic softball pitching drills? I set Mickey in the batters box and call for inside drop balls (peel drop) and inside fastballs. -I then stretch the twine taught to the nail in front of 2nd base and tie itoff there. I have my pitchers pitch from approximately 20 feet, 10 balls. Whether you want to become a stronger skater, develop your stick-handling skills, buy better gear or eat healthier, youll find everything you need at STACK.com. I find that many young pitchers have their weight too far forward, even bending at the waist on delivery. Imagine a line from your feet to home plate. Log in Find My Team. IF YOU HAVE SOMEONE TO CATCH as your pitcher is throwing, take a position about 8 feet in front of 2nd base and get down on one knee or sit on the power line to where your eyes are directly over it. They are walk-ins, meaning that they are thrown while walking into the pitch. I hope that this helps someone in their pitching practice.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'softballtutor_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_14',191,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-softballtutor_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); STRIPED BALL FOR PITCHINGI have a few striped balls in my pitching bag for use when teaching the roll drop and the riseball. However, batters today are getting smarter and better and learning to go with those outside pitches. WEIGHT BACKWe do a lot of drill work, along with pitching. To acheive our goal of the 12 oclock to 6 oclock rotation on the ball as it travels to home plate, we use hockey pucks, rolls of tape and even cocktail peanut cans (for the cans, you need to add weight by stuffing them with bunched up paper, or sawdust, then tape extensively).. Set-up: make a starting point by measuring six of your own foot lengths and mark the distance. Extend your glove side leg while dragging the toe of your throwing side leg. Bend at the hips and knees to push off the mound like you would push off to. Do 5 sets of fastball-change.6. These pitches are not thrown from the pitching stance. Im passionate about helping others get into the game and teach them a thing or two while Im at it. When one of my pitchers is having a tough time getting her riseball to move, I have her go through her pitching motion in super slow motion. It is the kind with sand in the bottom of it so it stays upright. It goes like this: Start out in the K position. Develop first-step quickness, serve with power and add inches to your vertical with volleyball training from some of todays top coaches. Start with a full wind-up, then switch to a, Take two steps forward and release the ball. I like for the players to make a mark in the dirt for her stride on the first pitch and then try to beat her mark. The ball must have counter-clockwise rotation as viewed from 3rd base.