The Body is behind the Pitch
Before you begin the actual pitching motion, the upper body leans forward with the weight transferring from the back heel to the ball of the front foot. This transfer of weight provides additional power in the pitch by aligning the upper body with the intended flight of the ball, directly toward the batter

A Perfect Circle in the Line of Force
The pitching arm travels in a 360 degree circle in line with the intended direction of the pitch, allowing the shoulder to rotate fully and the arm to move straight up in front and straight down in back

The Proper Shoulder and Hip Rotation
As you begin the perfect circle after the weight transfer, the left (lead) shoulder extends forward toward the target. Once the arm has reached the downswing the hip thrusts outward and slightly toward first base which allows the pitching arm to follow a perfect circle in the line of force

The Proper Release and Timing
The ball is released at the bottom of the circle, with an extended arm somewhere between the hip and thigh area. The arm brushes the hip at the bottom of the circle for an indicator of your release and prepares the forearm, wrist and fingers for the follow through

The Proper Follow Through
At the release the arm does not stop. Reach the arm through, out and toward the batter, fingers toward the sky. Use finger to shoulder follow through


The Basic Fundamentals - Windmill Pitching

Gripping the Ball Grip "across" four seams
Middle finger / thumb aligned
Pad of middle finger on top seam
Pad of thumb on bottom seam
Two or three finger grip utilized depending upon size of fingers
 a. The more fingers on the ball, the more control
Fingers close together, not spread apart
Pressure on the pads of the fingers
To ensure proper grip on ball place black tape around all four seams.
Place middle finger and thumb on tape. This will properly align grip

The Stance
Back foot positioned with toes touching back edge of pitching rubber
Front foot heel on pitching rubber with the toe turned slightly (45 degrees) toward 3rd base-RHP
Feet are spread approximately shoulder width apart (comfortable and relaxed)
Body erect and relaxed. Shoulders squared toward the catcher (very important)
Weight over back foot (Slight body lean backward)
Elbows folded at sides, ball in glove presented about waist high over front (pivot) foot

The Stride Step
Whole foot or ball of the foot
 a. Never land on the heel. It jars the body and puts extreme pressure on the knee
Place the stride foot placement at either a one or two o'clock position
 a. Landing at 12 o'clock never opens the hips
 b. Landing at 3 o'clock opens to the hips too much
The key to the stride step is to maintain a constant line of force between the pivot foot and target. This is accomplished by stepping "in-line" between pivot foot and the target.
The stride at first should be a comfortable step for the pitcher. As the pitcher develops and her speed and timing increase, the distance of the stride will lengthen to provide additional power to the pitch.
The pivot foot must drag forward after the release of the ball. This dragging of the foot indicates that there has been some downward pressure applied during the arm swing. The drag will also allow permit the body to remain balanced after the release.

The Hip and Chest Thrust
The hip thrust is the most important phase of the windmill pitching motion. The hip thrust places the pitching arm in the correct position for releasing the ball. The hip thrust is nothing more than thrusting the front side of the left hip (RHP) forward, toward the catcher and slightly upward first base. If done correctly the left leg will be slightly angled, with a slight arc in the back. To achieve maximum speed and efficiency, the pitcher must utilize the proper hip thrust and release the back hip upon release. This hip action resembles the opening and closing of a door. At the beginning of the pitch, the hips open naturally toward third base (RHP). The key word is NATURALLY, do not force the hips to open. As the pitching arm reaches the release area, the back hip (closest to the pitching arm) is relaxed and released forward to close the hips and square the body to the plate.
The simplest way to open the hips is by pivoting the lead foot on the pitching rubber approximately 45 degrees toward the 3rd base line.

The Arm Motion
Ball and glove positioned about waist high, over the pivot foot
Ball and glove reach out toward the catcher
 a. Ball hand removed from glove at eye level and extended toward the target
Shoulder opens toward 3rd base
 a. Upper arm brushes the ear at the top of the perfect arm circle
 b. Lower forearm brushes the hip/thigh area at the point of release
Make the arm as long and loose as possible throughout the entire arm motion
Follow the leader downward
 a. Shoulder - Elbow - Wrist - Hand - Fingers

The arm must be loose and relaxed during this entire movement. Instruct the pitcher to keep the ball out in the fingers. Avoid getting it too far back in the palm as this will limit speed and rotation of the ball. Keep the fingers directly behind the ball at the release point. The more the wrist is cocked open at the point of release, the more snap the pitcher will get. Snap the wrist from directly on top of the ball. For maximum speed, vigorously snap the wrist forward upon release of the ball.

Emphasize total looseness, especially at the beginning of the arm circle. RELAX the arm and wrist as it leaves the glove; ACCELERATE the arm and wrist as it reaches the release area. Pitchers should get the feeling that the ball is being pulled throughout the circle versus forced throughout the circle. The ball trails the forearm and wrist up to the time of the wrist snap. Build centrifugal force. Follow the leader downward.

Releasing the Ball
Occurs split second after the stride foot placement
Weight shifts from the ball of the pivot foot to the ball of the stride foot
Body relationship as follows:
 a. Upper arm brushes the back rib cage area
 b. Lower Forearm brushes hip/thigh area
 c. Wrist snaps forward for speed (Wrist is opened toward 3rd base)
 d. Fingers snap forward for rotation (Fingers are directly behind ball)
The most important aspect of releasing the ball is brushing the side.
Brushing the side refers to the pitching arm brushing the hip/thigh area at the point of release. This brushing of the side area accomplishes the following
 a. Cues the arm to release the ball
 b. Snaps the wrist and elbow into the pitch
The ball is released at the bottom of a perfect circle with an extended arm somewhere between the hip and thigh area. The arm will brush the hip/thigh area at the bottom of the perfect circle for a good indicator of the pitchers release area and prepares the forearm, wrist and fingers for the follow through.

The Non-Throwing Arm
Extend the glove hand as far forward as possible toward the target to open BOTH shoulders.
As the pitching arm reaches the downswing (2nd base) begin to pull the glove downward.
As the ball is released the glove hand may brush the thigh area to cue the closing of the hips.

The Follow Through
Completion of arm Motion
 a. Extend the hand & arm toward the target
 b. Hand position depends upon type of pitch thrown
Pivot foot drags hard
 a. Create semi-circle drag with toe
Maintain balance to good fielding position

SOFTBALL PITCHING DRILLS AND GAMES

These are various pitching drills. The drills should be done with some purpose. It is strongly recommended that a pitcher have a pitching coach.The drills are for a right handed pitcher. Left handed pitcher will have to appropriately modify the postion

Drills

"A-B-C-D"--pitcher is in "delivery position" for these drills.
A--pitcher holds her pitching arm in front of her and using only her wrist throws the ball.
B--pitcher holds her pitching hand at belt level and throws, emphasizing the follow through
C--pitcher holds her pitching hand at shoulder height and throws.
D--pitcher holds her pitching hand above her head and throws. (Teaches proper snap and follow through.)

Stork--standing on the right foot, with the left leg raised, putting the left foot near the right knee. Raise the right hand above the head, pivot, stride and throw. (Teaches balance and opening).

Half frame--standing facing third base, feet approximately shoulder width apart, transfer weight to the right foot, raise the hand above the head, push off, stride and throw without closing

Kneelers--kneel down facing third base, both shoulders alligned with catcher, raise the left knee, placing the left foot on the ground. The right knee stays on the ground. Throw to the catcher, staying in the open position through the entire throw.

Three-pump--standing in the start position, the pitcher does her normal delivery. When she reaches "delivery postion", she does three circles before releasing the ball. She raises and lowers the left foot during each circle. (Note: There should be no movement of the head and shoulders during the circles. If the pitcher's head bounces, the pitcher is letting her weight transfer too early.)

Slingshot--the pitcher pitches slingshot. She stands open on the mound, raises her arm backward, pushes off with her right foot, and then releases the ball as her hand goes forward. (Teaches leg drive.)

"Eyes closed"--the pitcher throws with her eyes closed (Teaches zen--"Use the force, Luke.")

Reps (repetitions)--the pitcher throws, then returns to the mound quickly. The catcher returns the ball as soon as the ball hits the mitt. The pitcher starts her throwing motion AS SOON AS the ball hits her mitt and throws again. The drill is to be done AS FAST AS POSSIBLE--NO CHEATING! Most pitchers, if they do this drill correctly, will tire at 50 reps. At the end, the pitcher AND catcher should be huffing and puffing. (Good drill to integrate the various skills into a smooth motion. Also teaches aerobic breathing in pitching.)

Strides--pitcher assume pitching position, turns and strides, without making any arm motion.

"The wall 1"--pitcher stands faces a wall. The pitcher raises her arm and places the palm of her hand against the wall. She then makes arm circles, holding the palm of her hand against the wall as she makes the circles.

"The wall 2"--the pitcher stands with her non-throwing shoulder (left shoulder) near the wall and pitches. This helps stop excessive shoulder motion and throwing of the glove hand.

"Thigh slaps"--after the ball leaves the hand, the pitcher slaps the top of her left thigh with the glove. This helps keep the left arm on line. (NOTE: thigh slaps should not become part of her motion--this is only a drill.)

"Throwing a glove"--the pitcher takes a glove in the right hand and spins the arm as fast as possible. The coach yells "go", the pitcher releases the glove. The object is for the pitcher to throw the glove in a straight line. Teaches: Release point, perfect circle.

Wrist snaps--the pitcher takes a ball in her right hand. She grasps her right wrist with her left hand. She lowers the wrist to her side and throws the ball, using *only* her wrist to throw the ball. The left hand keeps the elbow of the right arm from bending.

Turns--the pitcher stands without a ball facing home plate. She raises her arms to shoulder level. She turns, pivoting on her right foot so she is fully open, and then lowers the left foot. Teaches: basic foot movement.

Distance throwing--the pitcher takes one step back from the mound and throws. If the ball gets to home plate with no arc, she takes one more step back. This continues until the ball bounces before it reaches home plate. The pitcher takes one step forward and pitches from that distance for 10-30 pitches. Variations include doing the same drill with the "three pump", the "slingshot", "half frame", etc.

"The stroll" or walkthrough--the pitcher stands behind the mount two to three feet, walks forward, and, using her pitching motions, throws the ball as she walks over the mound. Teaches weight transfer and relaxation.

"Carolina walk through"--the same as the stroll, except that, after release, the pitcher is to keep her right foot (for a right handed pitcher) off the ground until the ball is caught by the catcher. Teaches "keeping the weight back". (Named after Coastal Carolina, where the drill originated.)

"Medicine ball"--weight a softball, usually best accomplished by inserting finishing nails into the ball. Do any of the drills with the weighted ball.

Quarterback--throw a nerf football underhand, obtaining a tight spiral on the ball. Teaches proper wrist snap.

"Hit the corners"--catcher moves targets to the four corners of the strike zone. Pitcher must hit the target before catcher moves to a new corner. For young players, pitcher need only get the ball on the same side of the plate as the target.

"Drop ball bowling"--to practice a drop, set up an obstacle (like a lawn chair) that is waist height about 20 feet from the pitcher and between the pitcher and home plate. Stand soda cans on the corners of the plate. Have the pitcher practice throwing drop balls over the obstacle and knock over a designated can. Make sure the pitcher doesn't "arc" the ball. (NOTE: This is *fun*.)

Games

Beat Lisa Fernandez--starting with 5 points, the pitcher gets 1 point for each strike, and loses "X" points for each ball. If the pitcher gets to 10, she wins. If she gets to zero, she loses. "X" varies on the skill level of the pitcher. X would be 1 for a beginning pitcher and could be 3 or more for an advanced pitcher.

"Two on, two out"--strike out the last batter of the game. (Variations include doing so with only drop balls, changeups, curves, or risers.)

"One-on-one"--the catcher calls balls and strikes. Low scores in this game are better. Scoring is based on the number of walks in an inning. If a batter would have walked on four straight pitches, then a home run is charged to the pitcher. If a batter would have walked with one strike, then a double is charged. If a batter would have walked with two strikes, then a single is charged. Runs are scored as if there were "ghost runners". Three outs completes an inning.

Fastpitch Problem Solving

Loss of Speed
Improper or inadequate warm-up.
Pitcher not achieving proper timing and tempo
Rushing the initial move - throws off pitchers rhythm
Stiff arm in pitching circle, reduces centrifugal force.
Moving the arm instead of swinging the arm
Poor hip and shoulder rotation
Over or under-striding
Uncocking the wrist too early during the backswing
Gripping the ball too tightly which creates tension in the arm and wrist
Improper wrist snap at release

Loss of Control
Improper or inadequate warm-up.
Pitcher not achieving proper timing and tempo
Practice down the middle first THEN work on the corners
Improper or poor pitching mechanics
Excessive body movements
Over or under-striding
Not picking up the target soon enough - Taking eyes off the target
Aiming the ball; slowing the arm down at the release area
Inconsistent release point
Poor physical condition
Lack of confidence

Wild Inside
Slow or lazy hand
Emphasize forceful wrist snap
Falling to the right (during/after) releasing the ball
Emphasize proper weight transfer at beginning of pitching motion
Emphasize proper foot drag
Improper Arm Motion / Over-rotating shoulder on backswing
Emphasize "perfect circle" in-line with the intended target (Brush Ear)
Stride Step off-line towards 3rd base (RHP)
Emphasize stride step in-line with intended target

Wild Outside
Follow through across body
Emphasize proper follow through - Finger to shoulder / Elbow to catcher
Arm to far from the Body at release point (causes arm to swing across body)
Emphasize "perfect circle" in-line with intended target (Brush Ear/Hip)
Stride step off-line towards 1st Base (RHP)
Emphasize stride step in-line with intended target

Wild High
Inconsistent release
Emphasize brushing the hip/thigh area at release
Grip too tight (choking the ball)
Move ball out of the palm and into the fingers
Improper stride step
Shorten stride step to compensate for problem
Getting under the ball
Emphasize remaining upright with no back arc
Emphasize keeping shoulders level
Emphasize getting the fingers behind the ball at release vs under the ball at release

Wild Low
Inconsistent release - Elbow too stiff
Emphasize Brushing the hip/thigh at the release
Grip too Loose
Tighten (slightly) grip on Ball
Improper Stride Step
Lengthen stride step to compensate for problem
Getting over the Ball
Emphasize remaining upright with no body lean forward

All pitchers will have problems. By identifying these problems early in their development it will greatly increase their chances of becoming a good pitcher.

Do not attempt to correct all problems at once. Correct one at a time beginning with the stride step and working your way up to the follow through. Attempting to correct all problems at once will only confuse the pitcher and her confidence will be shattered.

Pitch Grips

There are 4 basic pitch "clusters".

- hand/fingers BEHIND the ball, fingers snap upward sorta into the wrist/shoulder. Examples are fastball and peel-drop.

- hand/fingers UNDER or INSIDE the ball, fingers snap away from the thumb (hold your hand palm up, twist and snap toward your body. See how the fingers are moving toward the pinky side of your hand?). Examples are rise, screwball, "frisbee" curve.

- hand/fingers OVER or OUTSIDE the ball, fingers snap toward the thumb (hold your hand palm down, twist and snap toward your body. See how the fingers are moving toward the thumb side of your hand?). Examples are rollover-drop and drop curve.

- the changeups. These are a huge variety of pitches meant to defeat the snapping so necessary to all the other pitches. There are no end of examples of these: handshake, push, knuckle, knuckle-curve, flip, backhand, palm, and probably 3 grip variations for each of those.