Last updated on July 20, 2023
Although curveballs are almost always associated with baseball, they aren’t the only sport that has them. Softball pitchers can throw curveballs as well. Pitching is a crucial element of softball, and curveballs are one of the most exciting and challenging pitches to master. A curveball is a type of pitch that is thrown with spin, causing the ball to curve as it approaches the plate; and it can be incredibly effective when executed correctly. In baseball, curveballs are a common pitch, but in softball, they are less common. However, that doesn’t mean that softball pitchers can’t throw curveballs. In fact, many softball pitchers do throw curveballs, and it’s a pitch that can give them a significant advantage over their opponents.
Contents
Understanding the Basics
What is a Curveball?
If you’re new to softball pitching, you might be wondering what a curveball is. A curveball is a breaking pitch that moves in a curved path towards the plate. It’s thrown with spin and can be a powerful weapon in a pitcher’s arsenal. When thrown correctly, it can be difficult for batters to hit and can lead to strikeouts.
Difference Between Softball and Baseball Pitching
There are many differences between the two games, and especially so when it comes to pitching. In softball, the pitcher throws underhand, while in baseball, the pitcher throws overhand. This means that the grip and release of the ball will be slightly different. Another difference is the speed of the pitch. Softball pitches are generally slower than baseball pitches, which means that the spin and movement of the ball will have a greater impact on the trajectory of the pitch.
Mechanics of a Curveball
Throwing a curveball is an essential skill for any softball pitcher. While it is not an easy pitch to master, it can be a valuable weapon in your arsenal. Here are the key mechanics involved in throwing a curveball.
Grip and Release
The grip is the foundation of a good curveball. Start by placing your middle finger on top of the seam and your index finger alongside it. The grip should be firm but comfortable. The seam should be between your middle and index fingers.
Wrist Movement and Snap
The wrist movement and snap are crucial to the success of the curveball. As you release the ball, snap your wrist and fingers down towards the ground. This will create the necessary spin on the ball. The movement should be sharp and quick, but not forced.
The wrist snap should be timed with the release of the ball. The snap should occur just after the ball has left your hand. The snap will create the necessary spin on the ball that causes it to curve.
Pitch Rotation
The rotation of the ball is what causes it to curve. The spin on the ball creates a difference in air pressure on each side of the ball. This difference causes the ball to move towards the side with lower pressure.
To achieve the desired rotation, you need to apply pressure to the ball with your fingers. The middle finger should apply more pressure than the index finger. The ball should be thrown with a downward motion to create the necessary spin.
Control and Arm Slot
Control is essential when throwing a curveball. The pitch is difficult to control, but with practice, you can become more accurate. The arm slot should be slightly lower than a fastball. This will create a more downward motion on the ball.
Injury Prevention and Conditioning
As a softball pitcher, you know that throwing a curveball can be tough on your body. To prevent injury and keep yourself in top condition, it’s important to follow a proper injury prevention and conditioning routine.
Proper Warm Up
Before pitching, it’s essential to warm up your muscles properly. A good warm-up routine should include stretching exercises that target your shoulder, elbow, biceps, and other muscles that are used when pitching. This can help prevent injury and improve your flexibility.
Here are some stretching exercises you can try before pitching:
- Shoulder Rolls: Roll your shoulders forward and backward in a circular motion.
- Triceps Stretch: Hold your elbow with your opposite hand and gently pull it towards your head.
- Biceps Stretch: Hold your arm straight out in front of you and gently pull it towards your chest.
- Wrist Flexor Stretch: Hold your arm straight out in front of you with your palm facing down. Use your opposite hand to gently pull your fingers towards your wrist.
Muscle Conditioning
To prevent injury, it’s important to keep your muscles strong and conditioned. This can be achieved through a combination of weight training, resistance exercises, and cardiovascular workouts.
Here are some exercises you can try to strengthen your pitching muscles:
- Resistance Band Exercises: Use resistance bands to perform exercises that target your shoulder, elbow, and biceps muscles.
- Weight Training: Use weights to perform exercises that strengthen your upper body, such as bench presses, bicep curls, and shoulder presses.
- Cardiovascular Workouts: Engage in activities such as running, cycling, or swimming to improve your endurance and overall fitness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some different pitches that softball pitchers can throw?
Softball pitchers can throw a variety of pitches, including fastballs, changeups, riseballs, dropballs, and curveballs. Each pitch has its own unique characteristics and can be used to deceive batters and throw them off balance.
Can softball pitchers throw sliders?
Yes, softball pitchers can throw sliders. However, the slider is a difficult pitch to master and can put extra stress on the arm, so it is important to learn proper mechanics and not overuse the pitch.
At what age is it safe for a pitcher to start throwing curveballs?
There is no set age at which it is safe for pitchers to start throwing curveballs. It depends on the individual player’s physical development, skill level, and ability to learn proper mechanics. Coaches and parents should monitor young pitchers and ensure they are not overusing any particular pitch.
What is the difference between a softball curveball and a screwball?
A softball curveball and a screwball are both breaking pitches, but they have different movement. A curveball breaks from 12 o’clock to 6 o’clock, while a screwball breaks from 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock. The mechanics for throwing each pitch are also slightly different.
Hunter Tierney is a passionate writer, loving dad, and true sports fanatic. His experience helping his two daughters through softball, in addition to playing baseball at the collegiate level, gives him a fresh perspective on all things softball. He earned his business degree from the University of Phoenix where he also took writing and journalism courses.
