5 Great Slow Pitch Softball Pitches to Add to Your Arsenal

Last updated on July 20, 2023

Are you a slowpitch softball player looking to improve your game? One of the most important aspects of pitching in slowpitch softball is mastering the different types of pitches. By learning various pitches, you can keep the opposing team guessing and increase your chances of striking them out.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of these pitches and provide tips on how to master them. So, if you’re ready to take your slowpitch softball game to the next level, keep reading!

Slow Pitch Softball Pitching Fundamentals

If you want to become a successful slow pitch softball pitcher, you need to master the fundamentals of the game. Here are some key elements to focus on:

Grip

Softball pitching grip

The first step to a successful pitch is getting the right grip on the ball. Hold the ball with your dominant hand, and make sure your fingers are spread out and comfortable. The ball should rest in the palm of your hand, with your index and middle fingers on top of the seam. Your thumb should be underneath the ball, and your other two fingers should be resting on the bottom of the ball. This grip will give you the most control over the ball’s spin and trajectory.

Stance

Softball pitching stance

Your stance is also important when it comes to pitching. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart, and your toes pointing towards home plate. Keep your weight on your back foot, and your front foot slightly open. This will give you a stable base to work from, and allow you to generate power from your legs.

Release

Woman releasing a softball while pitching

When you’re ready to pitch, bring the ball back behind your head, and then bring it forward in a smooth, controlled motion. As you release the ball, focus on keeping your wrist loose and your arm straight. The ball should come out of your hand with a backspin, which will help it stay in the air longer and give it a more predictable trajectory.

Different Types of Slow Pitch Softball Pitches

When it comes to slow pitch softball pitching, there are several types of pitches you can throw to keep the batter guessing. In this section, we will discuss the five most common types of slow pitch softball pitches: the Knuckleball Pitch, Backspin Pitch, Screwball Pitch, Two Seam Pitch, and Backspin Power Pitch.

Knuckleball Pitch

The Knuckleball Pitch is a slow pitch that is thrown with minimal spin rate. This pitch is thrown by gripping the ball with your fingertips and releasing it with a flick of the wrist. The goal is to have the ball wobble in the air and make it difficult for the batter to hit. The Knuckleball Pitch is a great pitch to throw when you want to keep the ball low in the hitting zone.

Backspin Pitch

The Backspin Pitch is a slow pitch that is thrown with a high backspin rate. This pitch is thrown by gripping the ball with your fingertips and releasing it with a snap of the wrist. The goal is to have the ball spin backward in the air, creating a sharp break. The Backspin Pitch is a great pitch to throw when you want to keep the ball high in the hitting zone.

Screwball Pitch

The Screwball Pitch is a slow pitch that is thrown with a sharp break. This pitch is thrown by gripping the ball with your fingertips and releasing it with a snap of the wrist. The goal is to have the ball spin in the opposite direction of your glove arm side, creating a curveball-like effect. The Screwball Pitch is a great pitch to throw when you want to keep the ball away from the batter’s power zone.

Two Seam Pitch

The Two Seam Pitch is a slow pitch that is thrown with a lot of spin. This pitch is thrown by gripping the ball with your index and middle finger along the seams and releasing it with a snap of the wrist. The goal is to have the ball spin along the vertical strip of the ball, creating a straight pitch with movement. The Two Seam Pitch is a great pitch to throw when you want to keep the ball in the middle of the hitting zone.

Backspin Power Pitch

The Backspin Power Pitch is a slow pitch that is thrown with a high backspin rate. This pitch is thrown by gripping the ball with your fingertips and releasing it with a snap of the wrist. The goal is to have the ball spin backward in the air, creating a sharp break, but with more power than the Backspin Pitch. The Backspin Power Pitch is a great pitch to throw when you want to keep the ball high in the hitting zone and out of the batter’s power zone.

Slow Pitch Softball Pitching Mechanics

Guy releasing a slow pitch softball pitch

As a slow pitch softball pitcher, you need to have a good understanding of the mechanics of your pitching technique. In this section, we will cover the fundamentals of slow-pitch softball mechanics, including the underhand motion, balance, and footwork.

Underhand Motion

The underhand motion is the most common way to pitch in slow-pitch softball. It involves throwing the ball underhand in a circular motion towards the batter. To execute this motion, you need to grip the ball with your fingers and release it with a flick of your wrist. The ball should be released at waist height, and your arm should follow through towards the target.

Balance

Balance is crucial to executing a successful pitch. Before you start your windup, make sure that your feet are shoulder-width apart, and your weight is evenly distributed. As you begin your windup, transfer your weight to your back foot, and then shift it forward as you release the ball. Keep your head and eyes focused on the target throughout the pitch.

Footwork

Footwork is another important aspect of slow-pitch softball pitching mechanics. Start your windup with a small step forward with your non-dominant foot. As you release the ball, step forward with your dominant foot, and follow through towards the target. Keep your feet close together to maintain your balance and control.

When pitching in slow-pitch softball, it’s important to remember that the ball is moving slower than in other forms of softball. As a result, you need to focus on accuracy and placement rather than speed. Take the time to develop your mechanics and work on your balance and footwork to become a successful pitcher.

Remember, different teams and leagues may have different rules and regulations when it comes to slow-pitch softball mechanics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a legal pitch in slow pitch softball?

In slow pitch softball, a legal pitch is one that is thrown underhand with a high arc and reaches a height of at least 6 feet and less than 12 feet before it reaches the plate. The pitcher must also have a foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate.

How do you throw a perfect pitch in slow pitch softball?

To throw a perfect pitch in slow pitch softball, you will need to focus on getting the right amount of backspin and arc on the ball. Practice your release point and make sure that you are releasing the ball from behind the pitcher’s plate. Also, be sure to vary your pitches to keep the batter guessing and off balance.

Can you throw a curveball in slow pitch softball?

While it is technically possible to throw a curveball in slow pitch softball, it is not a common pitch and can be difficult to master. To throw a curveball, you will need to release the ball with a spin that curves towards the batter (for a right-handed pitcher, this would mean curving towards the left).

How do you throw a knuckleball in slow pitch softball?

To throw a knuckleball in slow pitch softball, you will need to release the ball with no spin and a fluttering motion. This can be a difficult pitch to master, but it can be effective in throwing off the batter’s timing.

How do you throw a screwball in slow pitch softball?

To throw a screwball in slow pitch softball, you will need to release the ball with a spin that curves away from the batter (for a right-handed pitcher, this would mean curving towards the right). This can be a difficult pitch to master, but it can be effective in throwing off the batter’s timing.

For more about the strategy behind pitches, check out our article on softball pitch calling.


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