How to Slow Pitch a Softball

In softball, you can choose between playing fast or slow pitch. Slow pitch differs in that it usually yields more hitting during a game than fast pitch. The task then becomes how to manipulate the ball to throw off the hitter.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Softball Cleats
• Softballs
• Softball Fielding Gloves

1. Remember that the biggest goal of slow pitch is to put the ball where the batter won't be able to make solid contact with it. She may hit it, but you should try to make it so she won't be able to hit it where she'd like to hit it.

2. Watch the height of your pitch. You have to keep it between 6 to 12 feet off the ground. Higher or lower is considered an illegal pitch. This gives you a wide range of arc for your pitch that you can use to throw off the timing of the batter.

3. Hold the ball out in front of you.

4. Swing the pitching arm back. Then on the forward swing, once it passes the hip, deliver the ball, palm up, and release it.

5. Consider stepping forward or backward as needed. This is permitted as long as the pivot foot is in contact with the pitcher's plate until the ball is released.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice throwing the distance between the pitcher's mound and the plate. Learn how much momentum to put on the ball to reach your batter - this is the whole trick.
• Play with throwing the ball at different levels within the 6- to 12-foot range. Different heights can help deceive your batter and keep her from getting a solid swing at the ball.

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[daxx29]

on 7/14/2008 I also have been working on a knuckle ball this season, which combined with a curve, a high flater pitch and a good high arc make for at least a fighting chance. The trick to getting a true knckle effect is your release point, let it go just past your knee and it should get some motion without rotation, mix it often with a faster curve. I am averaging 3 Ks a game in a fairly competative league. good luck

[Firedawg86]

on 5/14/2008 Two personal pitches I use are the palm down on the top of the ball delivery, and a modified curve. On the first mentioned pitch grip the ball on top with your palm down. Deliver the pitch in a flicking forward motion to induce backspin. This type of pitch typically induces grounders and if you pitch inside the hitter they are hit even weaker. On my modified curve I place my index and middle finger along the near seam and place my thumb on that side a little down and almost on the underside of the seam. I deliver in the flicking forward motion while cutting my hand down and slightly up. Deliver this toward the back side of the batter and it should cut back inside. The key on slow pitching IMO would be placing the ball inside with backspin as much as possible and only going outside enough to keep them guessing. Slow pitch is typically a high hitting game. Because of this induce a

[Firedawg86]

on 5/14/2008 Two personal pitches I use are the palm down on the top of the ball delivery, and a modified curve. On the first mentioned pitch grip the ball on top with your palm down. Deliver the pitch in a flicking forward motion to induce backspin. This type of pitch typically induces grounders and if you pitch inside the hitter they are hit even weaker. On my modified curve I place my index and middle finger along the near seam and place my thumb on that side a little down and almost on the underside of the seam. I deliver in the flicking forward motion while cutting my hand down and slightly up. Deliver this toward the back side of the batter and it should cut back inside. The key on slow pitching IMO would be placing the ball inside with backspin as much as possible and only going outside enough to keep them guessing. Slow pitch is typically a high hitting game. Because of this induce a

on 8/11/2006 Pay no attention to the batter, but recognize the batter's body and feet position. Have your catcher talk in order to distract the batter. Have a "hitch in your get along" awkwardness about your delivery to take the batter's attention off the ball. Mix up your pitches and locations once you get ahead in the count (test the arc limits). Know where you're going with the ball if it is hit to you.

on 8/8/2006 Always make sure your feet are positioned facing home plate. Remember, your pitches are probably gonna end up in the direction you're facing. Try not having to compensate for an awkward delivery. Stand straight, pitch straight.