Q&A for How to Pitch a Fast Pitch Softball

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Question

How do you consistently throw softball strikes?

Haley Snyder
Softball Player
Haley Snyder is a former Division I Student-Athlete and Softball Player. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in softball mechanics, fundamentals, and pitching. Haley holds a BA and MA from Stanford University, where she competed in the PAC-12 Conference as a pitcher.

Haley Snyder

Softball Player

Expert Answer

Don't cross your arm with your body as you throw. For instance, if you're throwing a pitch to the left, avoid taking a step to the right. Instead, stride while allowing your arm to go through the lane—this is the easiest way to get consistent accuracy.

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Question

How do you hold a ball when pitching?

Haley Snyder
Softball Player
Haley Snyder is a former Division I Student-Athlete and Softball Player. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in softball mechanics, fundamentals, and pitching. Haley holds a BA and MA from Stanford University, where she competed in the PAC-12 Conference as a pitcher.

Haley Snyder

Softball Player

Expert Answer

Hold your hand underneath the ball if you'd like the pitch to go up. If you'd prefer for the pitch to go down, hold your hand on top of the ball.

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Question

Why do I need to snap my wrist?

Community Answer

To obtain spin on the ball. If you have mastered the spin, you can also obtain movement and learn different kinds of pitches.

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Question

What should I do if my coach doesn't think I'm good enough to pitch?

Community Answer

Practice a lot, and let your coach know how hard you are working to improve. Ask your coach for pointers and soon you may be ready to pitch.

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Question

I am a first-year softball player, how can I better myself?

Community Answer

Practice, practice, practice! Try going to batting cages, and practice batting. Find someone to help you work on your fielding. Also, to improve your stamina when running after a hit, go running for a mile or so every few days. Your sprints should be better after that.

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Question

What are the different ways to hold a softball for a fast pitch?

Community Answer

Follow the steps in the article. Think of the C-seams, and make sure that your fingers are generally bordering those seams. The ball should be in your finger tips for a fast ball, but in your palm for a changeup. If you're new, focus on a fast ball and changeup. If not, the most common pitches after those are rise, screw and drop.

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Question

Where can I find step-by-step directions for a softball pitch?

Community Answer

Go on YouTube and type in "How to pitch a softball". Click on the first video by LIVESTRONG.com.

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Question

What if I am left handed, am I allowed to pitch with my left hand?

Celest2507

Community Answer

Yes, you are. You just might need a little more practice with right handed batters.

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Question

How can I get better at pitching directly down the middle?

Community Answer

Release at your hip and snap the glove onto your thigh as you release the ball.

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Question

Why does it always go slow when I release?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Because you haven't practiced enough. Keep working at it.

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Question

Why do I keep pitching foul balls?

Community Answer

Practice your pitching whenever you get a chance. It might also help to let go of the ball by your waist.

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Question

Can pitching seven games in a tournament cause harm to young pitchers?

Community Answer

It could hurt their shoulders, but icing it in between innings, drinking a lot of water, and stretching will definitely help reduce shoulder injuries.

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Question

How many people are needed to play fast pitch softball? How do I know who to throw the ball to?

Community Answer

There should be at least 10 players on a team. Your coach will tell you who to pitch to, but it is usually the catcher.

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Question

How do I get my speed up faster by like 5 or 10 miles per hour?

Ingrid Cantrell

Community Answer

Practice. When I'm about to release my pitch, I whip my arm at the end. Make sure you practice though.

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Question

Is hitting the side of my hip to effectively throw a curve ball illegal?

Community Answer

In most places, no. Depending on what kind of league your in, they will count it legal.

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Question

How can I put more power in my pitch?

Community Answer

Do arm stretches before lifting weights to help increase power in your pitching. You can also try throwing with someone before practicing or throwing long distances.

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Question

Why do I have trouble throwing strikes?

Community Answer

You just haven't practiced enough yet.

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