Many of you have pitchers that will be moving
up in age group this year and as a result they will be pitching
from longer distances and possibly also pitching the bigger
softball. Both will require more velocity and throwing strength
so let's look at 3 things that will help your pitcher create
more pitching strength.
3 Keys to Creating More Pitching Strength:
- Start with fast feet - the stride is
where the pitch creates the power she'll use at the release
point. If she doesn't start with a fast and powerful stride
forward (and not just up) she can't end up having a fast and
powerful pitch. So help create a faster and stronger pitch
by starting out with a longer and more powerful stride.
- Release with a faster hand - however
fast the foot starts in the stride the pitcher's hand must
move even faster during the release. Too many pitchers start
their hand fast and then gradually slow down as they get
closer to releasing the ball - the opposite needs to be
true. The pitcher's hand must get faster the closer she gets
to letting go of the ball. Remember that the most important
part of the pitching motion is the release, and it happens
at the end of the arm circle, and not at the beginning.
- Finish long and fast - a long and fast
follow through is the final key to creating more pitching
strength. The pitcher is throwing a ball OUT to the catcher
so her follow through needs to continue out as long and as
fast as possible. Too many pitchers after releasing the ball
immediately go UP with their follow through which
drastically reduces their speed and power.